Encino Doctor Charged in Illegal Prescription Drugs

A doctor in Encino, California was arrested yesterday in connection with prescribing narcotic-type drugs to patients without a valid need for them. The doctor in the case runs a medical clinic for urgent care in the city. He was charged with eight felony counts of unlawfully prescribing controlled substances. Some of the drugs he prescribed were hydrocodone and clonazepam. Hydrocodone is a painkiller which is an opioid derived from codeine and found in such trade-named drugs as Vicodin. Clonazepam is a muscle relaxant and sedative in the same class of drugs as Xanax.

The 68 year-old doctor was found prescribing these various types of drugs to undercover agents of the California Medical Board. He did so without performing any type of physical examination or prescribed them to patients with no legitimate need or purpose for them. The prosecutors in the case are asking that his bail be set at $80,000. The doctor could face up to seven years and eight months of incarceration if he is convicted of the unlawful prescriptions.

Prescription fraud in California is defined under Health & Safety Codes 11173 and 11153. According to Health & Safety Code 11153, a doctor is not permitted to write a prescription for drugs outside of the usual course of his practice, for a medical purpose that is not legitimate, or to an addict outside of professional treatment.

Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Orange County, California

Prescription fraud can involve private individuals who alter or forge prescriptions or who engage in the illegal practice of "doctor shopping." It can also be charged to doctors, as in the case above, who violate the law about how and where they prescribe medications to patients. Violation of the laws concerning prescription law may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the facts of the case. They can lead to lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Anyone accused of prescription fraud should immediately contact a reliable criminal defense attorney for legal representation. Thomas Tears, Attorney at Law is a criminal defense firm located in Santa Ana that serves clients throughout Orange County. Mr. Tears has more than 30 years of experience in handling criminal defense in all types of cases, from those involving drugs to DUI, domestic violence, theft, sexual misconduct, violent crimes, white collar crimes, and more. No matter what criminal charge you may be facing, you are urged to contact the firm as soon as possible so that Mr. Tears and his dedicated team can begin investigating and building your defense case. You can also visit his website at www.oc-criminalattorney.com to learn more about the firm.