When Prescription Fraud Crosses Over into Ridiculous
As an attorney, I have handled a plethora of cases, each with its own unique set of circumstances. However, one case that stands out particularly is the one involving a client charged with prescription fraud. This case not only displayed the potential absurdity in legal charges but also highlighted the complexities involved in handling such offenses.
The Case Involving Prescription Fraud
The client in question was charged with prescription fraud, a term that covers a wide range of offenses related to obtaining medications illegally. While this crime isn’t uncommon, the specific details of his case were quite extraordinary.
My client stole a prescription pad from his psychiatrist and attempted to fill numerous prescriptions, both valid and fraudulent. Among the whitewashed prescriptions were multiple opioid painkillers. The situation became even more convoluted when he tried to fill a 3-month supply of Roxicodone 30mg and 10mg Opana IR at the same pharmacy.
A doctor writing a prescription for a controlled substance, such as an opioid, certain stimulants, or benzodiazepines, will have the pharmacist call the doctor’s office to verify the prescription. This is a crucial step in ensuring the validity and legality of the medication. My client had a valid prescription for Valium and Ambien, but the attempts at filling larger amounts of painkillers did not align with professional norms.
Professional Verification and the Outcome
The pharmacist, in his usual due diligence, called the doctor’s office to verify the authenticity of the prescriptions. The doctor, upon realizing the fraud, promptly notified the police and my client was arrested with the stolen prescription pad in his possession.
The absurdity of the situation is akin to trying to drive a car with fake license plates. Even if my client had paid attention to the finer details of handwriting and ensured the prescription pad was well concealed, the sheer volume of painkillers requested from a single pharmacy would have been an immediate red flag.
Motivation and Legal Resolution
The case underscores the stark reality of opioid addiction driving people to engage in irrational and illegal behavior. Despite his questionable actions, my client did manage to avoid imprisonment by participating in Drug Court, a specialized program where the custodial sentence is suspended under the condition of strict probation and adherence to treatment programs. Weekly urine tests and regular appearances before the judge ensured that he stayed on the right path. This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treatment and support for individuals struggling with addiction.
Discussions around prescription fraud, particularly involving opioids, remain critical in the ongoing fight against addiction and the proper handling of controlled substances.