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Assertive Representation In State & Federal Court

Prescription drug fraud charges in Ohio

On Behalf of | Feb 1, 2019 | Drug Crimes

Especially in the wake of the reported opioid epidemic, law enforcement officers and prosecutors in the Cincinnati area are eager to pursue those whom they suspect are involved in the unauthorized use or distribution of prescription drugs.

What this means is that the government will use all the laws at its disposal to prosecute drug crimes related to opioid painkillers and other prescription drugs. This means that aside from straight up possession and distribution charges, prosecutors may also use laws that prohibit the use of false or forged prescription as prosecution tools.

Among other things, these laws make stealing or forging a prescription, doctor’s order or even a blank prescription pad a separate crime that as punishable as a felony under Ohio law. How serious the potential penalties are will depend heavily on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, but prison will often be on the table.

Moreover, in addition to the possibility of jail time, someone convicted of this offense may have his or her driver’s license suspended and may also lose his or her professional license. Additional charges may also be filed under different provisions of Ohio’s laws.

Sometimes, getting caught with a fake or stolen prescription may be the result of a one-time mistake or an ongoing drug addiction that has just come to light for the first time.

It is also possible, however, that a person can be accused of this sort of crime unfairly or even because of false or unfounded information. On a related note, the police must obtain the evidence they intend to use in court lawfully; otherwise, the evidence should not be used in court.

In any event, getting the help of an experienced Ohio criminal defense attorney may be an important part of a person’s defense strategy.

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