Board-Certified Criminal Defense Representation In Central Florida

3 parties that can face penalties for forged prescriptions

by | Jul 26, 2016 | Drug Sales & Distribution |

Prescription drug abuse is one of the nation’s most pervasive health issues. Millions of people struggle with or have struggled with abusing prescription drugs, from painkillers to tranquilizers; there is no shortage of demand when it comes to these powerful medications.

Those who are addicted to these medications often rely on illegal ways of procuring a supply. However, they are not the only ones who can face serious drug charges and penalties when these controlled substances are obtained unlawfully. 

Parties that can face criminal penalties stemming from fraudulent prescription activity include:

  1. A person who forged the prescription. Forgery or counterfeiting is a crime in Florida and in every other state in the U.S., and any person who alters a legitimate prescription, fakes a doctor’s signature or otherwise uses fraud in obtaining a controlled drug can be charged with a misdemeanor.
  2. A person seeking a refill of a forged prescription. Using a prescription forged or counterfeited by someone else can also land you in handcuffs. Even if a prescription is legitimate, you can be arrested for being in possession of prescription drugs that were not prescribed to you.
  3. A pharmacist filling forged prescriptions. Florida laws prohibit pharmacists from knowingly dispensing pharmaceuticals to people with a forged prescription. Allegations of this offense can go hand-in-hand with allegations of larger prescription drug rings and suspicions of trafficking.

If you are in any of these roles, you could wind up facing criminal charges related to drug offenses and/or forgery, both of which can lead to serious penalties.

Even though prescription drugs are not illegal, they are still subject to strict laws. Violations of these laws can lead to numerous charges and aggressive penalties, just like misconduct involving any other type of drug.

If you are accused of a crime involving prescription drugs, it is critical that you take your situation and the potential consequences seriously. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible can help you protect yourself and your rights.