Obtaining Controlled Dangerous Substances by Forgery: Prescription Drug Abuse
Opioids are in the news. Opioids and other prescription medications are being used and abused at epic proportions. Part of that abuse is grounded in the illegal obtaining of the drugs, often by forgery. While Oklahoma has relaxed some of their drug laws recently, obtaining controlled dangerous substances by forgery is still punished harshly in Oklahoma.
Obtaining Controlled Dangerous Substances by Forgery Defined
Oklahoma classifies all controlled substances legal and not, by “schedules” based upon their level of addictive risk balanced against medical benefit. The more addictive the risk, the lower the schedule number. Medications such as Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin are classified as Schedule I and Schedule II substances. Okla. Stat. tit. 63 § 2-204 et seq.
Being in possession of any prescription medication without a valid prescription is against the law in Oklahoma.
In Okmulgee, it is illegal for a person to obtain or attempt to obtain any controlled dangerous substance by forgery of, or alteration of a prescription for medication. Okla. Stat. tit. 63 § 2-407
This crime can occur in a number of different ways, but the most common is to steal a prescription pad and forge a doctor’s signature, or increase the number of pills prescribed.
The statute also prohibits obtaining medications by fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, by concealment of a material fact, by using a false name or giving a false address, and by failing to disclose that you have obtained this same drug within 30 days from another practitioner.
Penalties For Obtaining a Dangerous Substance by Forgery are Severe
Penalties are stiff. The crime is a felony and penalties increase with subsequent convictions. A first conviction could lead to up to 10 years in prison, or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A subsequent offense is punishable by from four to 20 years in prison, or a fine of up to $20,000, or both. Okla. Stat. tit. 63 § 2-407
Subsequent convictions are not eligible for suspended or deferred sentences, or for probation.
If you or a loved one are facing charges for obtaining controlled dangerous substances by forgery, you need the help of an experienced Okmulgee criminal defense attorney. Do not delay, call for help today.
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