Houston Prescription Drug Fraud Lawyer

Houston Prescription Drug Charge Defense Attorney

Thousands of people living in the Houston area are prescribed drugs by their doctors to treat a wide range of ailments, and when taken responsibly according to a doctor’s instructions, they can be safe and effective. However, prescription drugs can be misused just like illegal drugs, and certain actions taken with legally prescribed drugs are against the law. A Houston prescription drug crime lawyer can assist you if you have been charged with such an offense.

Many people are under the false impression that prescription drug crimes are less serious than drug crimes involving illegal drugs. This is not true. The penalties for prescription drug crimes can yield the same penalties as an illegal drug crime, depending on the type and amount of drug.

If you have been charged with selling, distributing, or trafficking prescription drugs, or obtaining prescriptions by fraud you can put criminal defense attorney Nicole DeBorde’s experience and trial knowledge to work for you. Contact us online or call 713-526-6300 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation.

Prescription Drug Crimes

• Illegal possession of Rx drugs. It is illegal for anyone to possess certain prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Penalties for illegal possession of these drugs will typically depend on the Schedule of the drug, the quantity in question, and what steps the defendant took to illegally obtain the drug.
• Forging a prescription. Some prescription drug crime cases pertain to forged prescriptions. This is a serious offense that can lead to felony prosecution depending on how the prescription paperwork was obtained, what drugs the defendant attempted to secure with the forged prescription, and other steps taken to complete the crime.
• Pharmacy fraud/prescription fraud. This may pertain to defrauding a pharmacy in any way, such as altering a valid prescription in an effort to obtain a different drug than what was prescribed or attempting to have someone else’s prescription filled without their knowledge.
• Transporting of prescription drugs. This offense would follow similar prosecutorial lines as what one would expect if they were arrested for illegal transport of any other illegal drug. The penalties will depend on the Schedule of the drug, how the drugs were obtained, and the quantity in the defendant’s possession.
• Distributing prescription drugs. This offense pertains to distributing prescription drugs for the purposes of street sales. This offense would reflect what one could expect if they were arrested for distributing illegal drugs, and the severity of their penalties will typically depend on the Schedule of the drug and the quantity involved.
• Internet marketing of prescription drugs. It is illegal to sell many prescription drugs over the Internet. However, many drug sales are conducted through social media and can lead to serious criminal penalties for those involved.
• Illegally buying prescription drugs online. Many prescription drugs are only legally able to be purchased with a valid prescription. Illegally purchasing prescription drugs over the Internet can lead to severe penalties based on the type of drug and the quantity purchased.
• Drug delivery, manufacturing, and trafficking. “Pill mills” and other drug manufacturing operations, as well as trafficking, can lead to some of the most serious drug charges a person can face in Houston. These operations often involve multiple defendants and can easily lead to multiple felony charges for everyone involved. Some trafficking cases are filed in federal court when these operations cross state lines and violate federal laws.

We defend people charged with possession without a prescription, or illegally transporting or distributing prescription drugs. For most charges the subsequent penalties could be severe. Trust your case to an attorney who understands the charges and knows how to fight them.

Attorney DeBorde routinely handles drug cases involving the following prescription drugs: Xanax, Vicodin, Adderall, Codeine, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Ritalin, and others. Our firm thoroughly understands the federal Scheduling system for prescription drugs and what this could mean for your impending case. It is vital that you secure defense representation you can trust as soon as possible after your arrest for any type of prescription drug-related crime in Houston.

A Former Prosecutor

Attorney Nicole DeBorde has nearly 20 years of experience as an attorney. Eight of those years were spent as a prosecuting attorney for Harris County. That experience has prepared her to defend clients charged with all types of crimes. She knows how to effectively challenge evidence and anticipate the prosecution’s case. She can also assist in post-conviction matters including state and federal appeals.

See our page on cocaine and methamphetamine offenses.

Drug Schedules in Texas

In Texas, both prescription and illegal drugs are classified by schedules. Schedule 1 drugs include drugs that are highly addictive, like methamphetamines and heroin, while Schedule 5 drugs include many prescription drugs such as Codeine. The charges are based on the schedule of the drug and the quantity of the drug.

Know Your Rights After Arrest

If you have been arrested for any type of prescription drug-related criminal offense in Houston, you have two very important Constitutional rights that come into play in this situation. First, you have the right to remain silent as soon as you are placed under arrest, and it is important to exercise this right. Anything you say will be held against you. Second, you have the right to an attorney, so you should remain silent until you have defense counsel representing you.

A Houston prescription drug crime lawyer will be an invaluable asset for helping you defend against the charges that you face. Penalties for drug-related offenses can range from fines and incarceration in county jail to years in prison, depending on the severity of the offense. Whether you need to prove your innocence when you have been falsely accused or mitigate your penalties when you have broken the law, you will need help from an experienced defense attorney.

FAQs

Q: What Is Prescription Fraud?

A: Prescription fraud is any attempt to secure prescription drugs without a valid prescription. This may entail forging prescriptions, altering valid prescriptions in an effort to obtain different drugs, or any other attempt to illegally secure prescription drugs outside of the accepted legal processes through which these drugs may be prescribed. It’s possible for a prescription fraud case to involve pharmacists or others willing to engage in these schemes.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Houston Prescription Drug Crime Lawyer?

A: You should hire a Houston prescription drug crime lawyer because it is vital to fully exercise your right to legal counsel when you have been charged with a crime. Your situation may be more serious than you initially realize, and it is also possible for you to have been wrongfully charged with an offense you did not commit or did not intend to commit. You have the greatest chance of building an effective defense with an attorney on your side.

Q: What Is Prescription Pill Fraud?

A: Prescription pill fraud can occur whenever any entity makes false claims about a drug’s ability to treat, prevent, or cure a disease or illness. Any entity that engages in such practices typically does so with the intention of defrauding unsuspecting customers who are searching for valid medical solutions to their infirmities. Prescription pill fraud may also define selling one drug under the false pretense that it is another drug.

Q: What Penalties Can I Face for Prescription Drug Crimes in Houston?

A: The penalties you could face for prescription drug crimes in Houston will depend on the type of drug in question, the Schedule of the drug, and whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties for most drug-related offenses in Houston typically include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory substance abuse treatment. Sentencing judges also have the discretionary power to adjust a defendant’s sentence as they deem appropriate in many cases.

Q: How Do I Find the Right Defense Attorney for My Case?

A: Finding the right defense attorney for your case will require researching local defense attorneys who have proven experience handling cases similar to yours and the flexibility to provide the personal attention you would expect from a defense attorney. Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., have years of professional experience defending Houston area clients from all types of drug charges, including prescription drug-related offenses.

Contact Our Houston Prescription Drug Fraud Lawyer Today

Possessing a prescription drug without a prescription is a crime. No matter what prescription drug charge you are facing, Hochglaube & DeBorde Law Firm can help. Contact us online or call 713-526-6300 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Se habla español.