Obtaining prescription drugs unlawfully is a drug felony in Boulder, Longmont, and Westminster. With the possibility of jail time, substantial fines, and a damaging criminal record, those facing allegations should contact a prescription fraud lawyer immediately. Whether you're being accused of using fraud, deceit, or forgery to obtain controlled substances, talking to the police will only hurt your case. Below we discuss prescription fraud in greater detail and ways our defense attorneys can help the accused.

Boulder Prescription Fraud Law

Boulder County's prescription fraud law prohibits obtaining controlled substances through specific means. CRS 18-18-415 defines 6 specific elements of prescription fraud throughout Colorado:

(1)(a) No person shall obtain a controlled substance or procure the administration of a controlled substance by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge;  or by the forgery or alteration of an order;  or by the concealment of a material fact;  or by the use of a false name or the giving of a false address.

(b) Information communicated to a practitioner in an effort to procure a controlled substance other than for legitimate treatment purposes or unlawfully to procure the administration of any such controlled substance shall not be deemed a privileged communication.

(c) No person shall willfully make a false statement in any order, report, or record required by this article.

(d) No person, for the purpose of obtaining a controlled substance, shall falsely assume the title of, or represent himself to be, a manufacturer, distributor, practitioner, or other person authorized by law to obtain a controlled substance.

(e) No person shall make or utter any false or forged order.

(f) No person shall affix any false or forged label to a package or receptacle containing a controlled substance.

Some of the more common controlled substances sought through fraud include Oxycontin, Benzodiazepines, Hydrocodone, and anabolic steroids.

How Serious is Prescription Fraud in Colorado?

Each prescription drug fraud case is different. Penalties won't always look the same. A conviction for this level 4 drug felony can include:

• a county jail sentence of 6 - 12 months,
• fines of $1K - $100K

Aggravating factors that can increase these punishments include being on probation or parole at the time of the offense and having a criminal history that includes other drug crimes.

Boulder's Leading Drug Crime Attorneys

Addiction is a serious, harmful element of many prescription fraud crimes. Defendants often need treatment, not a jail sentence and more fines to additionally burden them financially. While wobbler sentencing can apply, potentially reducing penalties, some prosecutors aim for maximum punishment in an attempt to prove themselves. Don't let their tactics or career moves damage your future.

Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation regarding your drug offense. Our criminal lawyers will carefully analyze your case, answer your questions, and recommend next steps in your defense. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make quality representation a reality.

Don't talk to the police about prescription fraud charges - talk to us. 303-830-0880

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