Colorado Springs Prescription Drug Fraud Lawyers
What to Do If You've Been Accused of Prescription Drug Fraud in Colorado Springs
Prescription drugs can do wonders for a person suffering from a chronic ailment or severe pain. Unfortunately, some people use these medications for recreational purposes, which is illegal. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 18-18-415:
"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."
Colorado Drug Schedules
Further, Colorado prohibits the possession of schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances without a prescription, C.R.S. § 18-18-403.5(2)(c), and the manufacturing, dispensing, sale, or distribution of prescription drugs without authority, C.R.S. § 18-18-405. Prescription drugs are predominantly classified as schedule III, IV, or V.
The misuse, illicit sale, and/or fraudulent procurement of prescription drugs are considered serious offenses in the state of Colorado, and can carry life altering penalties. A prescription drug fraud conviction can result in: significant fines, jail time, loss of medical license, difficulty gaining future employment, damage to reputation, the potential for a felony conviction and more.
If you have been charged with prescription drug fraud, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Colorado Springs drug crime attorney Timothy R. Bussey has over 20 years of legal experience and has assembled an expert defense team. Call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555 for a free initial consultation.
Prescription Drug Fraud Can Be Committed in Many Ways
One example would be forging a prescription. Other examples may include:
- Copying or altering a valid prescription
- Stealing a prescription or a medical professional's prescription forms
- Filling prescriptions for a friend
As a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed medical professional, you could be charged with prescription drug fraud in Colorado Springs for writing a prescription for non-medical or recreational use, or filling a prescription without proper authorization.
Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs
According to law enforcement, the most commonly misused prescription drugs include:
- Sleeping pills (Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta)
- Pain killers (Codeine, Morphine, Methadone, Oxycontin, Percodan, Percocet, Oxycodone)
- Amphetamines (Adderall)
- Methylphenidate (Conderta, Ritalin)
- Barbiturates (Nembutal, Mebaral, Seconal)
- Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Valium, Xanax, Librium, Halcion, ProSom)
Most of these drugs can be highly addictive, and often, addiction is an underlying basis to prescription drug fraud. We've all heard heartbreaking stories of friends, family members, or coworkers who became addicted to one of these prescribed drugs and resorted to illegal means to get them.
Penalties for Prescription Drug Fraud in Colorado Springs
Penalties for prescription drug fraud vary depending on the type of drug, the amount of the drug, and what your intent with that drug was. Offenses which include selling or distributing prescription drugs carry the most serious penalties. In Colorado, a level two drug felony carries a possible prison sentence of four to eight years.
If you, your child, or other family member has been arrested, it is vital that you consult a seasoned Colorado Springs prescription drug fraud attorney. The legal team at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. has represented hundreds of clients facing prescription drug fraud charges. As a former prosecutor, attorney Timothy R. Bussey knows how prosecutors think and operate. The Bussey defense team has obtained reduced sentences, lesser charges, dismissal of charges, lower fines and treatment for addiction in lieu of prosecution for many of their clients.
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we offer personalized service to every client. Call our offices today at (719) 475-2555 for a free consultation.
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