Colorado Prescription Fraud Cases

Have you been accused of illegal involvement with prescription drugs? In Colorado, the consequences of a conviction for a prescription drug crime can be serious. The best approach is to work with a well-qualified defense attorney.

H. Michael uses his knowledge and skill to help you achieve the best possible results in both federal and Colorado state courts.

We handle the defense of charges related to possession of a full range of pharmaceuticals:

• Narcotic painkillers, like oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin) or Percocet
• Sedatives and tranquilizers, like Valium and Xanax
• Stimulants, like Ritalin or Adderall
• Fighting Charges of Prescription Drug Fraud

Prescription drug charges can relate to a wide range of illegal behavior. The government may try to accuse you of altering existing prescriptions, forging fake prescriptions, impersonating medical staff to call in a prescription or even stealing blank prescription forms.

Our Denver, Colorado law firm also represents healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists, who are accused of involvement in illegal activities related to prescription drugs.

When Addiction is Involved

We understand that many prescription drug crimes occur because of addiction. We have experience working with issues related to drug and alcohol addiction, both from a criminal law and a family law perspective. We use this experience to help you find the best possible legal solutions for you and your family.

Types of Fraudulent Prescriptions

• Legitimate prescription pads are stolen from physicians’ offices and prescriptions are written for fictitious patients.
• Some patients, in an effort to obtain additional amounts of legitimately prescribed drugs, alter the physician’s prescription.
• Some drug abusers will have prescription pads from a legitimate doctor printed with a different call back number that is answered by an accomplice to verify the prescription.
• Some drug abusers will call in their own prescriptions and give their own telephone number as a call back confirmation.
• Computers are often used to create prescriptions for nonexistent doctors or to copy legitimate doctors’ prescriptions.

The following criteria may indicate prescription fraud:

• The prescriber writes significantly more prescriptions (or in larger quantities) compared to others.
• The patient appears to be returning too frequently. A prescription which should have lasted for a month in legitimate use, is being refilled on a biweekly, weekly or even a daily basis.
• The prescriber writes prescriptions for antagonistic drugs, such as depressants and stimulants, at the same time. Drug abusers often request prescriptions for “uppers and downers” at the same time.
• Patient appears presenting prescriptions written in the names of other people.
• A number of people appear simultaneously, or within a short time, all bearing similar prescriptions from the same physician.
• Numerous “strangers,” people who are not regular patrons or residents of your community, suddenly show up with prescriptions from the same physician.

Characteristics of Forged Prescriptions

• A prescription may look “too good”; the prescriber’s handwriting is too legible;
• Quantities, directions or dosages differ from usual medical usage;
• Prescription does not comply with the acceptable standard abbreviations or appear to be textbook presentations;
• Prescription appears to be photocopied;
• Directions written in full with no abbreviations;
• Prescription written in different color inks or written in different handwriting.

How you might get caught for Prescription Fraud

• The Pharmacist may know the prescriber and his or her signature;
• The Pharmacist will know the prescriber’s DEA registration number;
• The Pharmacist may know or recognize the patient, and
• The Pharmacist may check the date on the prescription order. It may not have been presented to him/her in a reasonable length of time since the prescriber wrote it.
• There may be a question concerning any aspect of the prescription order, call the prescriber for verification or clarification.
• There may be a discrepancy, the patient must have a plausible reason before the prescription medication is dispensed.
• The pharmacist may request proper identification.

If you have been arrested or if you are being investigated for a prescription drug crime, contact the Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Law Firm attorneys. Initial consultations are free and confidential.

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