What Leads To Fraud And Similar Drug Charges In Virginia?

When news reports arise of people in Virginia facing drug charges, most expect these to involve sale, procurement or manufacture of illegal drugs. However, charges can also be filed for obtaining prescription drugs using various kinds of fraud. The state laws are clear when it comes to the potentially serious consequences that can be levied for an arrest and conviction for using forgery, deception or fraud to acquire these drugs.

If a person tries to acquire controlled drugs or marijuana using fraud and other forms of misrepresentation, by forging prescriptions, by concealing material fact or by giving a different name or fake address, it will lead to penalties under the law. Giving fake information or omitting information in a record, report or prescription is also illegal. In the event a person gives a false license number to acquire scheduled drugs or marijuana, this too is against the law.

Another manner in which these drug laws are broken is if the substance or marijuana is acquired or attempted to be acquired by false representation. That can include claiming to be a pharmacist, physician, dentist, manufacturer or wholesaler. Providing false prescriptions to obtain these drugs will result in criminal charges. If there is a conviction on these charges, it will be a Class 6 felony. This law is not relevant if the individual acquiring the drugs is employed by the federal or state government or any associated subdivision and the drugs are acquired as part of an investigation or analysis.

Drug charges are taken seriously in the state of Virginia and this is true even if the drugs are not stigmatized as so-called “addictive” drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Prescription drugs and their abuse can lead to significant problems in the individual and society as a whole. When a person is arrested for fraud, misrepresentation or any of the other issues listed above, there can be serious consequences for a conviction. Therefore, anyone accused of such crimes should make a strong effort to reduce the charges against them or gain an acquittal.