Prescription Fraud

Prescription Fraud Attorney in Phoenix

Understand Phoenix Prescription Fraud Charges & Your Defense Options

Arizona treats obtaining prescription medication by fraud differently from obtaining a dangerous drug by fraud. That distinction can substantially change the classification of the charge. Faussette & Faussette, PLLC represents Phoenix clients accused of conduct involving fraudulent prescriptions, alleged doctor shopping, misrepresentation, or other methods of unlawfully obtaining medication.

Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense matters. We listen carefully to your account before developing a customized strategy, then explain the charge, your legal options, and the path ahead in clear terms. This guidance allows you to make informed decisions without interpreting complicated statutes on your own.

Call (602) 905-2833 to discuss a prescription fraud allegation with our attorneys.

What Arizona Considers Prescription Fraud

Prescription fraud is a plain-language term for several forms of alleged conduct involving medication. The applicable Arizona statute depends in part on whether the substance is a dangerous drug or medication available only by prescription.

Arizona law prohibits knowingly obtaining or procuring the administration of a prescription-only drug through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge. It addresses the same general methods when the allegation involves a dangerous drug. Because these drug categories carry different consequences, identifying the substance and the exact conduct alleged is essential when reviewing the charge.

Allegations may involve conduct such as:

Forging a prescription or changing its dosage, quantity, or refill information.
Stealing a prescription pad and using it to obtain medication.
Using another person’s identity to fill a prescription.
Using fraudulent credentials to call a prescription into a pharmacy.
Obtaining prescriptions from multiple providers without disclosing existing prescriptions, commonly called doctor shopping.

An investigation may involve pharmacy and prescribing records, communications, surveillance, identification documents, or statements to medical providers and investigators. A suspicious transaction doesn’t establish what a person knew or intended. Those details must be considered against the elements the prosecution must prove.

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Every case begins with understanding your unique circumstances, allowing the firm to build personalized legal strategies that protect your interests.
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Whether negotiating a settlement or fighting in court, the firm stands up for clients' rights and pursues the best possible outcome.
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With nearly a decade of experience, Faussette & Faussette provides knowledgeable representation in criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters.

Prescription Fraud Charges & Penalties in Phoenix

Charge classification depends on the drug category and alleged conduct. Obtaining a prescription-only drug by fraud under ARS 13-3406 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Possessing such a drug for sale or unlawfully transporting, importing, selling, or transferring it’s a Class 6 felony.

ARS 13-3407 assigns more serious felony classifications to dangerous drug allegations. Obtaining or procuring the administration of a dangerous drug through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge is a Class 3 felony. Simple possession or use of a dangerous drug is a Class 4 felony.

A conviction under ARS 13-3407 also requires a fine of at least $1,000 or three times the value of the dangerous drugs involved, whichever is greater. Arizona drug penalties can vary with the substance’s classification, quantity, and circumstances of the arrest, so the statutory label is only part of the analysis.

Consequences Beyond the Criminal Sentence

A felony drug conviction can affect voting rights, employment opportunities, and access to housing. For non-citizens, it can also create immigration consequences. As prescription fraud lawyers serving Phoenix, we review both the immediate criminal charge and the broader issues that may affect your decisions.

The Criminal Case Process After an Investigation or Arrest

A prescription fraud case may begin before any formal charge is filed. Investigators may seek records, interview witnesses, or contact the person under investigation. Getting legal advice at this stage can clarify the investigation and inform your response to requests for an interview or statement.

Charging & Arraignment

After charges are filed, arraignment is the court proceeding where the formal charge is addressed and the defendant enters a plea. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office typically prosecutes prescription fraud and dangerous drug cases arising in Phoenix and the region. The procedure and timing depend on the filed charge and the circumstances of the case.

Discovery & Evidence Review

During discovery, the parties exchange and review evidence relevant to the allegations. This material may include police reports, pharmacy documentation, witness statements, and other records connected to the prescription or drug at issue.

We evaluate what the evidence establishes, whether important context is missing, and whether legal grounds exist to challenge particular evidence. The available paths toward resolution depend on the facts, charge classification, evidentiary issues, and choices made as the case proceeds.

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Get Clear Guidance About a Prescription Fraud Allegation

We offer a free 15-minute criminal defense consultation to people who have been arrested, charged with a crime, or are under investigation. In-office and virtual consultations are available, allowing you to explain what happened and ask focused questions about your situation.

Our individualized approach begins with understanding the allegation rather than applying a standard response to every drug case. We communicate honestly about your legal options and develop a strategy based on the evidence, your circumstances, and your goals.

Call (602) 905-2833 or contact us about your free 15-minute consultation with a prescription fraud attorney serving Phoenix.

Defense Issues in Prescription Fraud Cases

A defense review starts with the prosecution’s evidence and the statutory elements of the charge. We examine police reports, physical and digital evidence, and witness statements for weaknesses, inconsistencies, or legal issues that may affect the case.

Issues we may evaluate include:

Unlawful search and seizure: Whether officers obtained evidence in compliance with constitutional requirements.
Lack of possession: Whether the evidence proves the accused person knowingly possessed the medication or substance.
Chain of custody: Whether the documented handling of evidence reliably accounts for it from collection through testing or presentation in court.
Entrapment: Whether law enforcement induced conduct that the accused person wasn’t otherwise predisposed to commit.

The facts determine which issues deserve attention. A forged prescription allegation may turn on authorship, identity, or intent. Identity-based pharmacy fraud may require close review of identification records and communications, while doctor shopping allegations can raise questions about disclosures, provider knowledge, and the prescriptions involved.

Our approach may also include collaboration with professionals in toxicology, law enforcement procedures, or rehabilitation programs when their knowledge bears on a disputed issue. We use the available evidence and relevant law to build a strategy tailored to the allegation.

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At Faussette & Faussette, PLLC, we're always ready to take your calls. Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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