Prescription Fraud Attorney in Panama City

Facing Prescription Fraud Charges in Panama City?

Prescription fraud charges can result in serious penalties, loss of career opportunities, and damage to your reputation in Panama City, especially if you are a professional, student, or caregiver. At Shepard Law, we understand how overwhelming it feels to have both your future and good name at risk due to a criminal accusation.

Each year in Bay County, many people find themselves unexpectedly involved in the Florida criminal justice system. Charges of this nature can put your professional license, employment, and stability at risk. 

Our team knows the local courts, including the Bay County Courthouse, and understands the urgency needed to provide you with a strong defense from the beginning. If you need a prescription fraud attorney in Panama City, we are ready to support you every step of the way.

We offer 24/7 access and a free, confidential consultation so you have a lifeline when you need it most. Led by Rusty Shepard, a former prosecutor, our team relies on extensive experience and a client-first approach to help protect your future. The support you need is only a phone call away.

Contact an experienced prescription fraud attorney in Panama City—Call (850) 290-2505 or reach out online immediately to start your defense.

Understanding Prescription Fraud Laws in Florida

Florida law targets numerous deceptive methods used to obtain controlled substances, classifying most as felonies. The primary offense our firm defends against falls under Florida Statute 893.13(7)(a)9: Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud.

This statute covers a wide range of actions deemed fraudulent, which is why having an experienced prescription fraud attorney in Panama City is essential:

• Forgery or Alteration: Falsely making, altering, or counterfeiting a prescription or knowingly holding out a forged prescription as true.
• Misrepresentation: Using false names, addresses, or statements to obtain the drug.
• Doctor Shopping: Knowingly withholding information from a medical practitioner that you have received the same or similar controlled substance from another practitioner within the last 30 days. This specific action is also a third-degree felony.
• Impersonation: Falsely assuming the identity of a physician or pharmacist to call in a prescription.
• Possession of Forms: Unlawfully possessing a prescription form that is not signed by the practitioner.

Crucially, under Florida law, you can be convicted of a third-degree felony even if you only attempted to obtain the medication—the completed crime is not required for the charge to stick.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Prescription Fraud Convictions in Panama City

A conviction for prescription fraud is a third-degree felony in Florida, carrying severe direct penalties that are compounded by aggressive sentencing guidelines.

Direct Criminal Penalties

• Incarceration: Up to five years in state prison.
• Fines: Up to $5,000.
• Probation: Lengthy terms of supervised felony probation, often including mandatory drug testing and substance abuse treatment.
• Driver’s License Suspension: A felony drug conviction often triggers a mandatory driver’s license suspension, regardless of whether a vehicle was used in the commission of the crime.

Enhanced Penalties and Additional Charges

The penalties can escalate rapidly:

• Trafficking: If the amount of the drug obtained through fraud meets the statutory threshold for trafficking (e.g., 4 grams or more of opioids), the charge is elevated to a first-degree felony with mandatory minimum prison sentences, which can be up to 30 years.
• Multiple Counts: The State often charges each fraudulent act or prescription as a separate felony count, potentially leading to multiple, consecutive five-year sentences.

Collateral Consequences

A felony conviction for a Panama City prescription fraud lawyer case creates permanent obstacles:

• Loss of Civil Rights: Convicted felons lose the right to vote, serve on a jury, and permanently lose the right to own or possess firearms.
• Professional Licensing: Professionals (nurses, pharmacists, doctors, teachers, etc.) face mandatory revocation or suspension of their state licenses.
• Employment: A felony fraud conviction is a devastating barrier to nearly all employment opportunities and professional licensing.
• Immigration Issues: This type of crime is often deemed a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT), leading to deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Prescription Fraud Defense in Panama City

When you choose Shepard Law as your prescription fraud attorney in Panama City, you are hiring a team that utilizes the insights of former prosecutors to build a comprehensive defense tailored to the intricacies of Florida Statute 893.13.

Specific defense strategies we employ include:

• The Lack of Criminal Intent Defense: We argue that the misrepresentation was an honest mistake, a clerical error by a medical provider, or a misunderstanding of dosage/authorization, thus refuting the "purpose" or "knowledge" required for a fraud conviction.
• Challenging the Doctor Shopping Element: We demonstrate that the client saw multiple doctors due to a legitimate lack of success with previous treatments, insurance issues, or a genuine desire for a second opinion, not with the criminal intent to deceive.
• Constitutional Violation Defense: We investigate every police action to determine if the search that led to the discovery of the drugs violated your Fourth Amendment rights.
• Mitigation and Treatment Advocacy: We work proactively to gather evidence of the client’s commitment to rehabilitation or substance abuse treatment, using this mitigating information to negotiate for diversion or probation instead of mandatory prison time.

Why Choose Shepard Law to Defend Your Future

When facing prescription fraud allegations, you want more than just any attorney. At Shepard Law, clients in Panama City gain from Rusty Shepard’s experience as a former prosecutor. This background allows us to anticipate the approach of the State’s attorneys and build strategies to defend your rights at every stage.

Our 24/7 emergency hotline means you can reach us any time, and our free initial consultations ensure you can ask questions or seek legal advice before deciding on your next steps. We approach every defense with a commitment to your well-being, maintaining confidentiality and your best interests throughout the process.

Our main goal is to help minimize penalties, protect your record and license, and achieve the best possible case result for your situation. We handle the complexities of Florida law and the local court process, so you do not need to face them alone.

What to Do If You’re Accused of Prescription Fraud

Quick, informed action can be crucial if you suspect you are under investigation or have been charged with prescription fraud in Panama City. Many people unintentionally harm their defense by speaking with investigators or employers before getting legal advice. 

We recommend you contact our team before giving any statements or sharing personal information with law enforcement, your employer, or licensing boards.

To protect yourself, follow these steps after a prescription fraud accusation:

• Prioritize confidentiality. Only discuss your situation with your attorney until you have a clear legal plan.
• Preserve documentation. Keep any prescriptions, pharmacy communications, or related records, as they may be important for your defense.
• Avoid talking with investigators alone. Law enforcement is focused on gathering information for their case, not protecting your rights.
• Act promptly. Early involvement can help explore options available in Bay County courts, such as negotiations or diversion programs when suitable.

At Shepard Law, we move quickly to start protecting your license, professional future, and privacy as soon as you reach out. You do not have to face this alone.

Your Next Step: Talk to a Panama City Prescription Fraud Attorney Today

Taking action promptly is the most important thing you can do to safeguard your career, reputation, and freedom. By calling Shepard Law, you will have a confidential conversation focused on your unique circumstances and a clear outline for the next steps.

Our team answers your questions and gets started on your defense at any hour. With free consultations and 24/7 emergency support, we make it simple to get the help you need. Your first call is private, with no obligation.

Call (850) 290-2505 or fill out this online form for a confidential consultation with a prescription fraud attorney in Panama City. Your future deserves a committed advocate.