NJ Prescription Fraud Charges
N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-13 penalizes the act of obtaining a prescription drug by fraud. If convicted of this offense, you may be facing up to 5 years in state prison. Prescription fraud is a third degree crime. A fine of up to $50,000 may be imposed. If you have been arrested for prescription drug fraud in NJ, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and prior to speaking with the police. These are serious charges, and just like on T.V., anything you say can and will be used against you.
In my experience as a NJ prescription drug fraud defense lawyer, there are a few factual scenarios that are more common than others in prescription drug fraud cases. In many cases, I have defended individuals accused of stealing or forging what are commonly referred to as “scripts” which is short for prescriptions. Frequently, my clients are employees or nurses in a doctor’s office and had access to the doctor’s prescription pad. In other cases, I have defended those accused of calling in prescriptions on behalf of the doctor, and then picking the prescription up themselves or having someone else do it. The majority of prescription drug fraud cases I have handled have facts that are similar or just like those presented.
Facing a NJ prescription drug fraud charge is a harrowing experience. Your career, your marriage, your reputation feels like it is slipping away. But I can provide you with some hope. In most cases, I am able to obtain dismissals through plea negotiations or via a diversionary program such as PTI/ Conditional Discharge. In other instances, I have been able to convince the prosecutor to downgrade the charges significantly to limit your exposure. If a trial is necessary, we will prepare your case professionally and fight for a not guilty verdict.
Negotiations with the prosecutor in prescription drug cases are intense. Nonetheless, I work with my clients to formulate the best legal an equitable defenses possible. In some cases, client’s have asked me to speak with their employer or the governing body of the profession they are in. For example, I have facilitated discussion with RAMP, The Recovery and Monitoring Program for New Jersey Nurses. It is imperative that the attorneys you interview have experience defending those charged with this offense. These are multifaceted drug offenses with many unforeseen consequences.
Please call for a free consultations. I will take the time to answer any questions you have.
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