Are you a healthcare professional accused of unlawfully prescribing controlled substances? You could be facing serious criminal and professional penalties. It’s time to start your defense right now. Call the Los Angeles drug crimes lawyers at William S. Kroger for help protecting your rights. We offer confidential consultations.
We have decades of experience defending healthcare professionals and white collar individuals accused of serious crimes. We can help you, too. Call us today to learn more about how we can build your defense in a drug crimes case.
Why Choose William S. Kroger to Handle My Prescription Drug Case?
Prescription-related criminal investigations require a defense that understands California criminal law and rules governing healthcare professionals. William S. Kroger has extensive experience defending clients of prescription-related offenses throughout Los Angeles, CA.
Clients choose our firm because we:
- Have proven experience handling misdemeanor and felony drug charges.
- We’ve regularly defended doctors and medical providers among the thousands of clients we’ve helped.
- We routinely secure reduced charges and favorable defense verdicts.
- We provide customized defense strategies based on the unique facts of your case.
- We won’t stand for prosecutors and law enforcement who attempt to bully you or trample over your rights.
Call us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced drug crimes attorney. We’re here to help you.
What is Prescribing to Be an Addict?
Under California Health and Safety Code § 11156, it is generally unlawful to prescribe controlled substances to a person known to be addicted to those substances — unless the prescription falls within a lawful medical exception.
To obtain a conviction, prosecutors generally must prove that:
- The defendant prescribed or furnished a controlled substance
- The recipient was addicted to the substance
- The defendant knew or should have known about the addiction
- The prescription was not issued for a legitimate medical purpose
The statute was designed to address the opioid epidemic and prohibits all prescriptions issued outside the legitimate course of professional treatment.
These cases may involve drugs such as:
- Opioid pain medications
- Oxycodone or hydrocodone prescriptions
- Benzodiazepines
- Stimulant medications
- High-dose controlled substance treatment
In many situations, prosecutors rely heavily on expert testimony to argue that the prescriptions had no legitimate medical purpose.
Related Drug Charges
Allegations involving unlawful prescribing practices are often accompanied by additional state or federal criminal charges. Prosecutors frequently argue that improper prescribing activity is part of a broader pattern involving fraud, illegal distribution of controlled substances, or violations of professional licensing regulations.
As a result, healthcare providers may face multiple overlapping charges arising from the same investigation.
In some investigations, prosecutors may also allege conspiracy, insurance fraud, recordkeeping violations, or unlawful distribution of narcotics. Federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration may become involved when investigators suspect large-scale prescribing activity or interstate conduct.
What Are the Penalties for Prescribing to Be an Addict?
Violations involving unlawful prescribing practices are typically charged as felony offenses. These charges are extremely serious and can carry severe criminal and professional consequences.
Depending on the allegations, a conviction may carry:
- Potential felony incarceration under California sentencing laws
- Significant fines and court penalties
- Increased penalties in cases involving large quantities, fraud allegations, or federal charges
In some cases, prosecutors may additionally file allegations involving conspiracy, healthcare fraud, insurance fraud, or, in extreme cases, drug trafficking
Even with prescribing to be an addict, charges alone, providers may face dramatic professional consequences, including the suspension or revocation of a license to practice medicine and prescribe pharmaceutical drugs. Professional licensing discipline or revocation.
A conviction or licensing action can jeopardize your medical career, professional reputation, and future employment opportunities.
Defenses to Prescribing to Be an Addict Allegations
Prescription-related criminal charges are rarely cut and dry. They may involve highly complex medical, regulatory, and constitutional issues, each of which presents defense opportunities for your case.
Common defenses to prescribing to an addict charge include:
- The prescription was issued for a legitimate medical purpose
- You acted within accepted professional standards of care
- You did not know the patient was allegedly addicted
- The patient misrepresented symptoms or medical history
- Law enforcement conducted an unlawful search or seizure
- The allegations involve billing or administrative issues rather than criminal conduct
- There is insufficient evidence of unlawful prescribing practices
The strongest defense strategies available in your case will depend on the unique facts of the investigation and prescribing conduct. A skilled attorney can build a multi-pronged defense that challenges the prosecution’s case from every angle possible.
How A Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
Prescription-related criminal investigations are highly specialized and require a detailed understanding of medical standards and criminal law. In some cases, prosecutors may overcharge a provider or exaggerate the nature of their prescribing history.
An experienced attorney can protect your rights by:
- Reviewing prescription records and patient files
- Analyzing whether prescriptions served a legitimate medical purpose
- Consulting with medical experts regarding accepted standards of care
- Challenging search warrants and seizures
- Defending against allegations of unlawful prescribing practices
- Protecting clients during DEA or licensing investigations
- Negotiating with prosecutors before formal charges are filed
- Defending your professional license before regulatory boards
- Preparing an aggressive defense strategy for trial if necessary
Your attorney can protect your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment at all stages of your criminal or professional matter.
Contact Our Los Angeles Prescription Drug Crime Lawyers for Help
If you are under investigation or have been charged with unlawfully prescribing controlled substances, you need legal representation. A conviction can threaten your freedom, professional license, and future career. Our attorneys can stand between you and the criminal justice system and work to achieve a favorable resolution to your case.
Contact William S. Kroger to schedule a confidential consultation to get started on your defense. We’re here to stand up for you.