Facing Prescription Drug Fraud Charges in Los Angeles?

What is Prescription Drug Fraud Under CA Health & Safety Code 11173?

Also referred to as doctor-shopping, prescription drug fraud occurs when you use multiple doctors and pharmacists to illegally acquire prescription drugs. Let’s say you were in a car accident and injured your back. Your physician gives you a six-month prescription for Vicodin for the pain. After the prescription runs out, you then visit another doctor and pretend it’s your first visit. You continue to visit new doctors and pharmacists to maintain your supply.

In California, you may be charged with doctor-shopping if you obtain or attempt to obtain a prescription from a doctor for Vicodin, Oxycontin or another controlled substance through deceit, misrepresentation or fraud.

At the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi in L.A., we have a reputation for not backing down from a fight for our clients’ rights. By scheduling a free consultation with a lawyer at our firm, you can find out more about how we can help you build a strong defense.

Penalties for Prescription Drug Fraud in Los Angeles

Section 11173 of the California Health and Safety Code makes it a crime to obtain controlled substances through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or subterfuge. In California, prescription drug fraud may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony. A felony conviction carries up to three years in prison.

Are you eligible for a diversion program?

Prescription fraud is not one of the offenses mentioned in the drug diversion statute. So if you are convicted of doctor-shopping, you would not be eligible for a treatment program under Proposition 36. With the help of a skilled attorney, you still may be able to petition the court to reduce the charges and place you in treatment.

Tenacious drug crimes attorney defends you

The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi provides high-quality defense counsel to those facing drug charges in California. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at (310) 448-1529. Our office is conveniently located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, within minutes of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, and steps away from the Expo/Bundy Station. We have flexible hours and weekend appointments, and we will visit you in jail to discuss your case.

Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to predict outcomes, as individual circumstances vary and laws may change over time. Those seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified attorney to understand how current laws apply to their specific situation. For detailed legal guidance on the topics discussed, please contact our law firm directly.