Prescription drug fraud is treated as a serious crime in New York, especially when it involves trusted medical professionals. Offenses consist of the illegal sale or misuse of prescription medications. The consequences can often be severe when law enforcement cracks down on such crimes, and there may even be overreaching charges for lesser offenses. When fraud allegations arise, pharmacists face not only criminal charges but also damage to their careers. This is what happened recently to a pharmacist in Binghamton, New York, who has been accused of prescription fraud at a local Rite Aid pharmacy.

The Case Against Stevens

Pharmacist Clyde T. Stevens, 46, is facing 17 felony counts of prescription drug fraud. Following an investigation, the New York State Police found that he had been illegally dispensing both controlled and non-controlled medications while working at a pharmacy in Endwell.

Stevens was accused of writing fake prescriptions, dispensing drugs in quantities larger than recommended, and filling controlled substance prescriptions without a licensed medical professional’s approval. Rite Aid noticed inconsistencies that amounted to over $4,000 in losses, prompting law enforcement officials to investigate.

The pharmacist is facing five counts of criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance, 11 counts of second-degree forgery of medical prescriptions, one grand larceny count, and five misdemeanor counts of fraud and deceit related to a controlled substance.

Spotlight on Prescription Drug Fraud in New York

Prescription drug fraud encompasses various offenses, such as forging prescriptions or unlawfully dispensing medications to patients. Such crimes tend to involve well-known pills like Oxycodone, Adderall, or Xanax.

In New York, law enforcement often focuses on pharmacists and physicians, believing they are more likely to commit fraud due to their access to prescription records and medications. Medical professionals may be singled out for overzealous investigations, and hardworking pharmacists may feel like they are under intense scrutiny with a target on their backs.

Unfortunately, many people have no idea how serious prescription drug fraud charges are in New York. Offenses of this nature are often prosecuted as felonies, as seen in Stevens’ case. While punishment varies according to the details of each offense, heavy fines and extended prison time are common. Beyond the legal consequences, a conviction can severely impact your career, leading to a permanent criminal record and the potential loss of your professional license. 

Common Defenses for Prescription Drug Fraud Charges

Prescription drug fraud charges involve complex evidence, strict legal procedures, and potentially harsh penalties. However, fighting the allegations is possible with a sound legal strategy. Remember, being charged does not automatically mean you will be convicted.

A qualified New York criminal defense attorney can build a defense tailored to your case. Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer can negotiate a plea bargain, contest how evidence was collected, and argue for the charges to be reduced or dismissed entirely.

There are various defenses for prescription drug fraud offenses. For example, it may be possible to establish a lack of criminal intent and show that the defendant’s actions were due to human error, misunderstanding, or miscommunication rather than deliberate planning. Another defense involves questioning how the evidence against you was collected. The evidence gathered may be inadmissible in court if the police violated your rights during their investigation or carried out an illegal search.

Medical professionals are also sometimes wrongly accused of prescription drug fraud due to reasons such as made-up allegations or poor recordkeeping. A criminal defense lawyer can present strong evidence that protects your reputation and pokes holes in the prosecution’s case.

Do Not Gamble with Your Future. Contact the Brill Legal Group Today

Being arrested for prescription drug fraud is scary, especially when your livelihood is on the line. Due to the serious nature of prescription drug-related offenses, consulting a skilled New York criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is crucial. Whether you are a pharmacist, physician, or other medical professional facing such accusations, the Brill Legal Group is here to help you build a strong defense. Our years of experience mean we know how such cases play out and are best positioned to deliver results. Contact us today to learn more.