Prescription Fraud Attorney in Tacoma

Facing A Prescription Fraud Charge In Washington—Secure An Aggressive Defense with the Hester Law Group

Being accused of prescription fraud can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be worried about jail, your job, and what this means for your future. At Hester Law Group, we help people in this situation protect their rights and start to regain a sense of control.

Our attorneys have more than 130 years of combined criminal defense experience, including serious drug cases in Washington courts. Members of our team hold 10.0 Superb Avvo Ratings and have been listed in Best Lawyers in America. We use that background to guide clients through prescription-related investigations and charges with discretion and focus.

Facing a felony investigation? Trust the experienced trial attorneys at Hester Law Group. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to defend you against charges of prescription fraud. Call (253) 300-3034 or reach out online today.

Understanding Prescription Fraud Laws in Washington

Washington State prosecutes prescription fraud primarily under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (RCW 69.50.403). This statute prohibits the acquisition of a controlled substance through "misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge."

A Tacoma prescription fraud lawyer frequently defends clients against various allegations, including:

• Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same or similar controlled substances without disclosing existing prescriptions.
• Forged Prescriptions: Altering a legitimate prescription (e.g., changing the quantity or refills) or creating entirely fraudulent prescription pads.
• Impersonation: Posing as a medical professional or a pharmacist to call in a prescription to a pharmacy.
• Pharmacy Theft/Fraud: Using a stolen or forged identity to pick up someone else's medication.

The Role of the PMP (Prescription Monitoring Program)

In Washington, pharmacists and doctors use the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) to track the distribution of Schedule II through V drugs. Many arrests originate when this database flags a patient's history, leading to an investigation by the Department of Health or local law enforcement.

Penalties for Prescription Fraud Convictions in Tacoma

In Washington, prescription fraud is typically classified as a Class C Felony. The penalties are dictated by the Washington Sentencing Reform Act and your "offender score."

• Incarceration: Up to 5 years in a state correctional facility.
• Financial Fines: Fines of up to $10,000.
• Professional Impact: Immediate risk of suspension or revocation of medical, nursing, or pharmacy licenses.
• Criminal Record: A permanent felony conviction that may significantly affect employment, housing opportunities, and professional advancement.

Additionally, if you work in the healthcare industry, a prescription fraud charge is a direct threat to your livelihood. Our firm is highly experienced in representing nurses, doctors, and pharmacists, coordinating your criminal defense with the necessary professional board investigations to mitigate the risk to your career.

Why Choose Our Tacoma Defense Team

When your freedom, reputation, and career are on the line, you need a firm that is comfortable handling serious criminal allegations. At Hester Law Group, our attorneys have spent decades defending clients in state and federal courts in Washington, Oregon, and California. That experience includes complex matters involving controlled substances and alleged fraud, where the evidence can be technical and the consequences significant.

Our team includes highly rated lawyers with 10.0 Superb Avvo Ratings and recognition in Best Lawyers in America. These are independent signals that other lawyers and past clients respect our work. We draw on that experience every time we evaluate a prescription case, review charging decisions, and speak with prosecutors in the Tacoma area.

We also understand that many people facing accusations of prescription fraud are professionals, caregivers, or patients managing real medical conditions. Some clients are terrified of publicity or damage to a professional license. We have handled both high-profile matters that attracted media attention and private cases that required extreme discretion.

Attorneys from our firm have been featured in news articles, television programs, and legal publications discussing significant cases. This public record reflects that we are regularly trusted with difficult and high-stakes matters. When you come to us about a prescription fraud accusation, you are working with a team that is used to navigating pressure, complex evidence, and scrutiny in and around Tacoma.

How Our Tacoma Prescription Fraud Lawyers Defend You

Defending against a prescription fraud charge requires a detailed review of both the facts and the investigation process. At our firm, we begin by analyzing charging documents, police reports, and available prescription or pharmacy records to identify weaknesses, assumptions, or possible constitutional violations. 

We focus not only on what the state alleges happened, but also on the broader context that may explain the situation. Our experience practicing in local Washington courts allows us to develop strategies that are realistic, informed, and aligned with your goals.

Our approach to prescription fraud defense:

• Thorough Case Review: Careful examination of charging documents, police reports, and prescription or pharmacy records to identify gaps or inconsistencies.
• Constitutional Analysis: Evaluation of potential violations involving searches, seizures, or investigative procedures.
• Context-Based Defense: Investigation into misunderstandings between providers and pharmacies, incomplete medical histories, unauthorized use of prescription accounts, or underlying medical or addiction issues.
• Local Court Experience: Regular appearances in Pierce County Superior Court and other Washington courts, providing insight into local procedures, judges, and prosecutors.
• Strategic Planning: Honest evaluation of whether negotiation, motion practice, or trial is the most appropriate course of action.
• Client-Focused Communication: Clear explanations of the legal process, preparation for court appearances, and timely updates so you are never left uncertain about your case.
• Respect and Confidentiality: A commitment to treating every client with discretion and professionalism, recognizing the sensitive nature of prescription-related allegations.

Your professional license and your liberty are at risk. Reach out to a Tacoma prescription fraud lawyer with 130 years of combined experience. Contact us online or call (253) 300-3034 for a free consultation regarding your prescription fraud case.