Obtaining CDS by Fraud
Ewing NJ Obtaining CDS by Fraud Attorney
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls the misuse of prescription opioids an epidemic with a prescription drug involved in nearly half of the deaths attributed to opioid overdoses. The CDC reports that complaints about pain have not changed that much since 1999, but prescription opioid sales have quadrupled. Addiction to prescription pain killers can make an otherwise law abiding person break the law by obtaining controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”) by fraud which is a crime of the third degree under N.J.S. 2C:35-13 punishable by imprisonment and fines.
At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we are among the largest criminal defense firms in New Jersey. We have eight seasoned and respected attorneys with a proven record of success defending people whose liberty is at stake. If you have been arrested or contacted by the police or other law enforcement agency about fraud charges involving prescription drugs, contact us immediately. We are available around the clock to provide you with trusted advice and tenacious advocacy when you need it the most in Mercer County, including Ewing, Trenton, Lawrence, West Windsor and Hamilton. Call 609–683–8102 to discuss your forgery, theft by deception and/or obtaining CDS by fraud offense.
Obtaining CDS by Fraud Charge in Mercer County
N.J.S. 2C:35-13 makes it a crime to obtain or acquire controlled dangerous substances through any of the following methods:
- Misrepresentation
- Fraud
- Forgery
- Deception
- Subterfuge
Controlled dangerous substances are those drugs and substances listed in Schedules I through V found in N.J.S. 2C:35-2. Commonly prescribed medications appearing in the drug schedules include the following:
- OxyContin (a.k.a. Oxycodone)
- Ritalin
- Suboxone
- Valium
- Xanax
- Adderall
- Vicodin
- Hydrocodone
Examples of the types of conduct engaged in to obtain drugs by fraud . Among the various types of conduct that violate the law against obtaining by fraud are the following: (1) obtaining prescriptions by making appointments with more than one doctor for the same injury or illness and obtaining prescriptions from each of them for controlled dangerous substances; (2) forging a prescription on a stolen prescription pad or through electronic methods; (3) impersonating a physician or other health care provider to obtain controlled dangerous substances; (4) pretending to be a doctor to call in a prescription; and (5) altering a legitimate prescription to change the name of the patient, the quantity or type of drugs, or the number of allowable refills
Penalties For Obtaining CDS By Fraud. A person obtaining drugs by fraud commits a third degree crime. The penalties for conviction may include a prison sentence of three to five years. Fines for third degree crimes normally are capped at either $15,000 or $35,000, but N.J.S. 2C:35-13 permits judges to impose fines up to $50,000.
Common Companion Charges in 2C:35-12 Cases. There are certain companion criminal offenses that are common in 2C:35-12 cases including theft by deception, forgery, prescription drug possession and prescription drug distribution. These charges expose you to longer prison sentences and substantial fines. Other consequences associated with prescription drug fraud and other prescription drug charges include suspension of your driving privileges for at least six months. A conviction also affects you when applying for a job and in other aspects of your life by leaving you with a criminal record.
Hamilton Township Obtaining CDS By Fraud Defense Lawyer
When your liberty and future are at risk, you need a criminal defense lawyer that has a combination of knowledge of the law, superior courtroom skills and compassionate representation looking out for your interests and well being. At The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we take charges of obtaining controlled dangerous substances by fraud as seriously as you do and commit ourselves to developing and executing a defense strategy to obtain the best possible outcome. Contact us today to have your questions answered by a highly experienced attorney and to find out more about how we can help you. Our team defends forgery, theft and misrepresentation charges involving cds in Princeton, East Windsor, Robbinsville, Hightstown, Pennington, Hopewell Township and throughout Mercer County. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for free consultations at 609–683–8102.