Prescription drug abuse is at epidemic proportions nationwide, and along with that comes problems with a fraudulent or forged prescription in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, and Xanax are among the chief prescriptions that are the subject of prescription fraud and forgery, and they are all highly addictive.
A Forged Prescription Can Bring Long-Term Imprisonment
Oklahoma is a state that statutorily classifies all controlled substances, including prescription medications, into “Schedules” according to their medical use and the level of addictive risk.
Prescription medications, especially narcotic pain medications such as Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin are classified as Schedule II substances. While these medications have a valid medical use, they are among the most addictive medications we have.
More deaths from overdoses occur due to illegal prescriptions than occur due to other drugs. It is unlawful in Oklahoma to knowingly acquire or obtain any controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, or a forged prescription. Okla. Stat. tit. 63 § 2-406
What is a Forged Prescription?
So what does a forged prescription look like in the real world? Its range is truly breathtaking. Here are some ways that it might occur.
- Stealing a doctor’s prescription pad and writing prescriptions for fictitious patients.
- Altering a doctor’s prescription to add more pills than were actually prescribed.
- Calling in a fake prescription and providing a fake call-back phone number.
- Creating fake doctor’s prescription pads via computer or other means.
- Creating false identities to create fictitious patients.
Penalties
Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance without a valid prescription is a felony punishable by four to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Okla. Stat. tit. 63 § 2-402
A forged prescription charge is often accompanied by charges of distribution or possession with the intent to distribute. Distribution of any narcotic substance listed in Schedule I or II is a felony offense that carries five years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $100,000.
Possession with intent to distribute any other controlled substance is a felony punishable by two years to life in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Initial Strategy Session: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is charged with a forged prescription in Oklahoma, please contact a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Consult with an experienced Tulsa attorney today by calling 918-756-9600.
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