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Over 100 Not Guilty Verdicts At Trial | Over 2,000 Dismissals
* Statistics Verified by County Clerk of Court Documents
Client Testimonials
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- "Mr. Pumphrey rescued my family in a time of crisis. A simple traffic stop turned into out-of-state incarceration for my adult son. Our family has zero experience with needing legal counsel. We were referred to Mr. Pumphrey by another lawyer based on his reputation. Mr Pumphrey was knowledgeable about the out-of-state circumstances and educated us on the complexities of the situation. He and his staff answered and/or returned every phone call promptly. They were able to resolve this in a week’s time. The charges were dropped and my son was released. Mr. Pumphrey will always have my eternal gratitude. His knowledge, actions, and ability to resolve this quickly saved my son."
- "If your college kid makes a mistake this is the attorney you need"
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- "Would recommend if looking for a law firm that is committed to every case and personal circumstance"
- "I have never felt so taken care of from an attorney. "
- "I would recommend them to anyone that is in need of the best legal care available!!! "
- "[Don] is honest, truthful and the person you want in your corner."
- "I highly recommend them for your legal needs."
- "If you are looking for top-notch legal council either locally or abroad, look no further. Don Pumphrey and his staff will fight unremittingly for your your rights!"
- "I would challenge anyone to find a more experienced, knowledgeable and result oriented criminal defense attorney anywhere"
- "I will definitely be recommending his firm to anyone I come across that needs legal counsel. Thank you Don! You put our anxiety at ease and established a relationship and referrals for a lifetime!"
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- ""Best Lawyer in Town""
Obtaining Controlled Substance by Fraud / Forgery Sentence
Florida Statute § 893.13(7)(a) makes it illegal to obtain a controlled substance by fraud, subterfuge, deception, forgery or misrepresentation. This offense is often called “prescription fraud” or “doctor shopping” in Florida. Prescription drug fraud charges are serious and can carry steep penalties, such as time in prison and significant fines.
Prescription Drug Fraud Defense Attorney
If you are charged with any felony drug offense, such as obtaining a prescription drug by fraud or doctor shopping, contact an experienced Tallahassee drug defense lawyer at Pumphrey Law. Our attorneys represent clients in prescription drug cases throughout Leon County and the surrounding areas.
The attorneys at Pumphrey Law also have experience representing college students charged with prescription drug crimes at local colleges and universities, including Florida State University and Florida A&M University. Call (850) 681-7777 for a free consultation to discuss your best defense.
Information About Prescription Drug Fraud Charges in Florida
Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud Under Florida Law
Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Law enforcement officers look for the following types of schemes to obtain drugs by fraud:
- Altering or counterfeiting a prescription
- Stealing prescription pads
- Calling in fake prescriptions to a pharmacy
- Using multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions within a short period of time, also known as “doctor shopping”
The elements of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors must prove the defendant acquired, obtained or attempted to acquire or obtain possession of a certain controlled substance.
It also must be proved the defendant acquired, obtained, or attempted to obtain the substance by fraud, subterfuge, deception, forgery or misrepresentation. In addition, it must be proved the defendant had knowledge of the illicit nature of the controlled substance.
Obtaining a prescription by fraud is classified as a Level 3 offense under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code, which ranks offenses by severity for sentencing purposes on the score sheet.
Penalties for Prescription Drug Fraud
In Florida, obtaining a prescription by fraud, such as tampering with an existing prescription, is a third-degree felony, which also is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
This means even if the person did not acquire the narcotics, but attempted to do so, he or she still could be charged. However, if the person does, in fact, get the prescription filled, he or she also could be charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs.
Possession of a prescription pad that has not been legally signed by the practitioner or doctor is considered a first-degree misdemeanor for the first offense, according to Florida Stat. 893.13 (7)(a).
Conviction of a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida could mean up to one year in prison, a $1,000 fine or both. Subsequent offenses are third-degree felony prescription fraud, which can carry up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
Finding a Prescription Drug Fraud Lawyer in Tallahassee
If you were arrested for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, also known as “doctor shopping” or “prescription fraud,” contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Tallahassee at Pumphrey Law. Our attorneys represent clients on serious drug crimes throughout Leon County and the surrounding areas in North Florida. Call (850) 681-7777 for a free consultation to discuss the charges and your best defense.
This article was last updated August 5, 2016.
Don Pumphrey, Jr.
Attorney Don Pumphrey, Jr. is a former prosecutor, former law enforcement officer, and a successful and experienced criminal defense attorney. Don has achieved over 100 not guilty verdicts at trial and over 2,000 dismissals.
