As Colorado’s prescription drug abuse problem continues to grow in severity, instances of prescription fraud are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Prescription fraud is a drug crime that involves obtaining prescription drugs in a deceitful, misrepresentative, or illegal manner. In Colorado, prescription fraud goes beyond forging prescriptions to include an array of other criminal actions related to prescription drugs.

We’ve explored seven of the most common examples of prescription fraud in Colorado below.

Doctor shopping. Doctor shopping refers to the illegal act of visiting different medical professionals in order to secure multiple prescriptions for painkillers and other prescription drugs. Typically, those who engage in doctor shopping are seeking to obtain drugs to abuse or sell illegally for profit. You can be charged with the prescription fraud crime of doctor shopping for visiting different offices and neglecting to inform doctors of your existing medications and prescriptions.

Possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription.  Not all prescription fraud crimes involve planning and deception. You can be charged with prescription fraud for simply having prescription medications without a valid prescription, or with a prescription that is expired.

Forging a prescription. Forging or altering a prescription by any means is a serious crime in Colorado, whether you use a stolen physician’s pad, generate prescriptions with a computer, or alter a valid prescription by changing the name, dosage, or number of refills.

Impersonating medical staff. Another common example of prescription fraud in Colorado involves impersonating medical staff in order to call in prescriptions, and then using your own number as a call back confirmation.

Purchase drugs illegally. Under state law, it is unlawful to purchase drugs illegally over the internet, or from a friend, family member, or dealer.

Filing false police reports. In order to obtain more painkillers and prescription drugs, abusers may occasionally file false police reports claiming that prescription medications were stolen. This practice is considered prescription drug fraud under Colorado law.

Prescribing medications for illegitimate reasons. If you are a doctor or other medical professional, you can be charged with prescription fraud for issuing a prescription for a medication for an illegitimate reason, or outside the course of your medical practice.

If you find yourself facing one or more of these charges, you may be surprised to discover that it has been labeled a federal crime and that your case needs to be tried in federal court. The federal government is tough on drugs, and many of these types of crimes are more serious and carry with them increased penalties, but don’t panic. Seek out the best federal crimes attorney you can find and make sure you tell them everything so that they can mount the best possible defense.

Most of the time that won’t be necessary, though. Your case will be handled in the state courts of Colorado – which means you need to know how successful Colorado fraud crimes attorneys defend these types of charges.

If you find yourself facing one or more of these charges, you may be surprised to discover that it has been labeled a federal crime and that your case needs to be tried in federal court. Often, these types of cases are more serious and carry with them increased penalties, but don’t panic. Seek out the best federal crimes attorney you can find and make sure you tell them everything so that they can mount the best possible defense.

Most of the time that won’t be necessary, though. Your case will be handled in the state courts of Colorado – which means you need to know how successful Colorado fraud crimes attorneys defend these types of charges.

Possible Defenses to Prescription Drug Fraud Charges in Colorado

If you are being investigated, or if you have been arrested or charged with prescription fraud in Colorado, you are facing serious consequences to your freedom and future. In our state, the penalties for prescription fraud may include incarceration, heavy fines, and a lifelong criminal record. First-time offenders may have the option of avoiding jail time by completing a rigorous drug treatment program.

To avoid harsh consequences, hiring a Colorado drug crimes attorney with success handling prescription fraud cases is critical. There are many possible defenses to prescription fraud in Colorado, and your attorney may help you determine the best one in your unique circumstances.

For instance, your attorney may be able to help you argue that you were stopped and searched in a way that violated your criminal rights. Or if you are a medical professional accused of prescription fraud, you may be able to demonstrate you acted in good faith if the patient deceived you or neglected to tell you important information that would have prevented you from issuing a prescription.

Talk to a criminal defense attorney to start building an aggressive case today. With the right lawyer in your corner, you will be in the best position possible to have your drug crime charges reduced or dropped.

About the Author:

Kimberly Diego is a criminal defense attorney in Denver practicing at The Law Office of Kimberly Diego. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and her law degree at the University of Colorado. She was named one of Super Lawyers’ “Rising Stars of 2012” and “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Colorado” for 2012 and 2013 by The National Trial Lawyers. Both honors are limited to a small percentage of practicing attorneys in each state.  She has also been recognized for her work in domestic violence cases.