Understanding Prescription Drug Fraud in Indiana: Meaning, Types, Penalties, and Defenses
Prescription drug fraud remains a massive problem in the United States of America, with the state of Indiana being no exception. The crime of prescription drug fraud encompasses numerous deceptive practices aimed at acquiring prescription drugs without a genuine medical need. In Indiana, law enforcement takes the offense of prescription drug fraud very seriously. If you are charged with prescription drug fraud, you risk facing severe penalties. In this article, we discuss what the crime of prescription drug fraud in Indiana entails, the forms of prescription drug fraud, the penalties of prescription drug fraud, and the potential defenses to this offense.
Prescription Drug Fraud in Indiana
Prescription drug fraud entails unlawfully obtaining prescription medication through dishonest means. Prescription drug fraud can take many forms. The following are some of the common forms of prescription drug fraud in Indiana;
- Forging or altering a prescription: Creating a fake prescription or altering the information on a valid prescription is one of the most common forms of prescription drug fraud in Indiana.
- Doctor shopping: This occurs when an individual goes to several doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same medications.
- Impersonation: This is when a person poses as a healthcare provider to obtain or submit a prescription.
- Pharmacy hopping: This method entails filling a prescription at one pharmacy one day and then trying to do the same at another pharmacy the next day.
- Stealing prescription pads: Some people steal prescription pads and use them to write fake prescriptions.
Penalties of Prescription Drug Fraud in Indiana
The penalties for prescription drug fraud in Indiana can vary based on several factors, such as the type of medication involved and the individual’s criminal history. However, generally, the following are some of the common penalties for prescription drug fraud in Indiana:
- Prison time: When convicted of prescription drug fraud in Indiana, you may be sent to jail for months or years, depending on the severity of the offense.
- Fines: Offenders may be required to pay monetary fines
- Probation: Sometimes, the court may impose probation as an alternative to jail time.
- License suspension: If a healthcare provider is found guilty of prescription drug fraud, they may lose their professional license.
It is crucial that when faced with prescription drug fraud charges, you consult a qualified criminal defense attorney. A skilled attorney can assess the specifics of your case and help you understand the penalties you stand to face if convicted.
Potential Defenses to Prescription Drug Fraud Charges
When facing prescription drug fraud charges in Indiana, you need to retain an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled defense attorney can help build a strong defense strategy. While every case is unique, the following are some of the common defense strategies used in prescription drug fraud cases:
- Lack of intent: This involves arguing that the defendant did not intend to commit prescription fraud.
- Mistaken identity: A defendant may have been accused due to being mistaken for someone else.
Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with prescription drug fraud in Indiana, our qualified Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers at Rigney Law LLC can help you with your case.
