Prescription Fraud Attorney in Los Angeles

Prescription Fraud Defense Backed by 75+ Years of Combined Experience

Most people associate the term “drug crime.” with illegal drugs, but charges can also involve prescription medications. One such crime is prescription fraud, which occurs when a person uses deception to obtain prescription medication. These cases typically involve controlled substances such as OxyContin, morphine, Valium, Vicodin, and Xanax.

If you’re under investigation for prescription fraud, call us at (213) 481-6811 or contact an attorney at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners today.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may face misdemeanor or felony charges. California Health and Safety Code section 11173 addresses obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled substance through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or concealment of a material fact. California Health and Safety Code section 11153 addresses different prescription-related conduct. The charge, alleged conduct, substance involved, prior record, and other case-specific facts affect potential sentencing exposure. Consequences may include custody, fines, probation conditions, a criminal record, and effects on professional licensing, immigration status, or employment.

Understanding Prescription Fraud in California

Law enforcement may arrest an individual for “doctor-shopping,” meaning obtaining prescriptions from multiple doctors, forging a doctor’s signature, or impersonating a physician. Authorities may also investigate medical professionals when they allege that a prescription was issued under a false pretense. Whether the prosecution can prove a case depends on the prescription records, alleged representations, knowledge, intent, and other admissible evidence.

Prescription fraud-related offenses:

• California Health and Safety Code Section 11368: Forging Or Altering A Narcotic Drug Prescription
• California Health and Safety Code Section 11350: Possession Of A Controlled Substance
• California Health and Safety Code Section 11352: Sale Or Transportation Of A Controlled Substance

Related charges can arise when the allegations involve forged or altered prescriptions, possession, sale, transportation, or another controlled-substance offense. The statute listed in the charging document, rather than the informal label prescription fraud, determines the elements the prosecution must prove and the potential penalties that may apply.

Prescription Records & Investigative Evidence

A prescription fraud investigation can begin before charges are filed, including after a pharmacy or prescriber questions a prescription or records appear to show overlapping prescriptions. Investigators may review prescription histories, pharmacy records, medical records, communications, surveillance, witness accounts, and information from the CURES prescription monitoring system, California’s database for controlled-substance prescribing and dispensing information.

Our approach starts with the evidence the government can present in court. We examine whether records are complete and accurate, whether the accused is correctly identified, whether statements were obtained lawfully, and whether the evidence supports fraudulent intent rather than a misunderstanding or documentation error. Search and seizure issues, meaning constitutional limits on how officers obtain evidence, can also matter in a Los Angeles prescription fraud case.

Defense Issues in Prescription Fraud Cases

Our prescription fraud lawyers evaluate the charge actually filed alongside the records, witness accounts, alleged representations, prescription history, and investigative methods. Depending on the facts, relevant issues can include lack of fraudulent intent, mistake, mistaken identity, a valid prescription or authorization, insufficient evidence, or an unlawful search or seizure.

We prepare criminal cases for trial while also assessing whether negotiation is appropriate based on the evidence and the risks involved. Some drug-related cases may raise diversion or alternative-sentencing questions, but eligibility and availability depend on the charge, prior history, and current California law. Stephen G. Rodriguez has completed training through the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Trial Advocacy Program.

75+ Years of Combined Criminal Law Experience

We defend people accused of drug crimes in California, including prescription fraud. Stephen G. Rodriguez has practiced criminal defense for more than 20 years, and our firm brings more than 75 years of combined criminal law experience to state and federal cases.

We explain the evidence, risks, and available options so clients can make informed decisions about how to proceed. Based in Los Angeles, we represent clients throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.

Call (213) 481-6811 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation and discuss your case.