Pharmaceutical Fraud Charges: What You Need to Know to Find a Lawyer

Pharmaceutical Fraud Charges: What You Need to Know to Find a Lawyer

Hey there! If you’re reading this, you or someone you know has probably been charged with some kind of pharmaceutical fraud. That can be really scary and confusing. You’re probably wondering what happens next and what you can do to protect yourself. Don’t worry – I’m here to walk you through it and give you some practical tips.

First off, take a deep breath. Pharmaceutical fraud charges cover a wide range of offenses, from prescription forgery to illegal kickbacks. The penalties can be severe, but having an experienced legal team on your side makes a huge difference. This article will break down the common types of charges, potential defenses, and how to find the right lawyer for your situation. I’ll also give you some action steps to take right now.

Common Pharmaceutical Fraud Charges

There are a few main categories of pharmaceutical fraud that people often face charges for:

• Prescription forgery or alteration – This includes creating fake prescriptions or altering legitimate ones to try to obtain drugs illegally.
• Doctor shopping – Visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions for controlled substances.
• Prescription diversion – Diverting legal prescription drugs for illegal uses, like recreational use or resale on the black market.
• Insurance fraud – Billing an insurance company for services or medications that were never provided.
• Kickbacks – Illegal payments made to induce prescriptions or recommendations of a drug or service.

The specific charges and penalties depend on the nature and scope of the offense. Federal charges often carry stiffer sentences than state charges. The range can be anywhere from fines and probation for minor offenses up to millions in restitution and decades in prison for major schemes involving Medicare/Medicaid fraud or controlled substances.

Building Your Defense

Don’t panic if you’ve been charged. There are often strong defenses that an experienced legal team can use to fight the allegations or seek reduced charges/penalties. Some options to explore include:

• You lacked criminal intent – Forgery or other charges may have been unintentional mistakes.
• Entrapment – Law enforcement pressured you into committing an offense you wouldn’t normally do.
• Duress – You were forced into the crime by threats against you or loved ones.
• Constitutional violations – Your rights were violated in the investigation or arrest.
• Mental health defenses – You have a condition that impacted your actions.

An in-depth investigation into the facts of your case and background is needed to identify and develop potential defenses. Don’t go it alone here – hire an experienced team.

Finding the Right Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer or law firm can make all the difference in these complex cases. Here are some tips:

• Look for extensive experience specifically with pharmaceutical fraud charges in your state.
• Find someone familiar with both state and federal law.
• Consider a larger firm with a team of investigators, paralegals, and other resources.
• Ask about track record getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial.
• Be sure they have experience taking cases like yours to trial if needed.
• Personality fit is important too – make sure you feel comfortable with them.

Don’t just go with the first lawyer you find online. Vet them thoroughly and meet/interview multiple attorneys before deciding. This is too important not to take the time to get it right.

Next Steps to Take Now

If you’ve been charged, here are some steps to take right away while you look for a lawyer:

1. Remain silent and avoid discussing the case with anyone except your attorney once hired.
2. Gather and preserve any documents, records, or other evidence related to your case.
3. Write down a detailed timeline of relevant events and your recollection of what happened.
4. If arrested, arrange bail through a bondsman to get released until your court date.
5. Ask the court to preserve any video, audio, or other evidence from your arrest.

I know this is an incredibly stressful situation, but good legal counsel can help guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your specific case. Don’t lose hope – focus on finding the right lawyer and let them handle the details from there.