Prescription Fraud

Prescription Fraud Attorney in Athens

A Former Prosecutor Shapes Your Defense

Prescription fraud allegations can fall under several Georgia statutes. The charge often depends on the medication involved and how it was allegedly obtained. At Slider Law, we defend people accused of prescription medication crimes and other drug offenses in Athens and the surrounding region.

Jason Slider is a former prosecutor with more than 20 years of criminal law experience. He has successfully handled more than 100 jury trials throughout Georgia and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest peer-review rating. That background informs how we assess the state’s evidence, identify disputed issues, and prepare for negotiation or trial.

Speak with our prescription fraud attorney about the allegation and your options. Call (706) 208-1514 for a free criminal defense consultation.

Conduct That Can Lead to Prescription Fraud Charges

Georgia law recognizes multiple forms of prescription fraud. One law prohibits acquiring medication through misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, subterfuge, or theft. It also prohibits purchasing, possessing, or controlling certain medication without authorization from a valid prescription.

Allegations under Georgia’s prescription laws may involve:

Presenting a forged prescription for a controlled substance
Changing the medication, dosage, quantity, or refill information on a prescription
Using a false name, address, or identity to obtain medication
Using deception or concealing a material fact during the prescription process
Withholding information from a practitioner about obtaining a similar controlled substance from another practitioner
Obtaining or attempting to obtain medication by theft

Withholding information is sometimes described as doctor shopping, meaning a person allegedly sought similar medications from multiple practitioners without disclosing prior prescriptions. The state still must establish the conduct covered by the charged statute. A prior prescription, a disputed alteration, or contact with more than one practitioner doesn’t resolve every legal or factual issue.

A separate provision addresses obtaining or attempting to obtain a dangerous drug through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, subterfuge, prescription forgery or alteration, concealment of a material fact, or use of a false name or address. Because different types of medication fall under different provisions, our review begins with the substance identified and the precise conduct alleged.

We assess each case by examining the allegation, evidence, applicable statute, and possible paths to resolution. This case-specific review allows our prescription fraud lawyer in Athens to identify the issues that may support the defense.

Our Prescription Fraud Defense Process in Athens

Our review includes the legality of any stop or search that led to the discovery of medication or related evidence. We also examine how evidence was collected, documented, stored, and presented. When law-enforcement witnesses offer technical conclusions, we evaluate their qualifications and the basis for those conclusions.

Prescription forgery cases may turn on what was allegedly written, changed, submitted, or communicated. Allegations involving a false identity or withheld prescription information can raise different factual questions. We compare the accusation with the records and the elements the prosecution must prove.

Our defense review may address:

The statute and elements identified in the formal charge
The type and legal classification of the medication
The circumstances surrounding a search, seizure, or questioning
The handling and chain of custody of physical or electronic evidence
The statements, records, and witness testimony relied on by the prosecution
The client’s prior record and eligibility for available resolution options

Court Settings in Athens & Madison County

Felony drug cases in Athens-Clarke County are handled in the Superior Court of the Western Judicial Circuit. Jason Slider’s prosecution background and statewide jury-trial experience allow us to evaluate both courtroom presentation and pretrial resolution.

We have experience handling DUI and drug cases in Madison County and are familiar with its courts and local prosecutors. That familiarity doesn’t replace a careful analysis of the evidence, charge, and client’s circumstances.

Depending on those factors, we may pursue reduced charges, a negotiated resolution, or trial. We assess what the evidence supports, which options are legally available, and which course aligns with the client’s needs.

Discuss Your Charge in a Free Consultation

We offer free consultations for criminal defense matters, with in-office and virtual options available. For most DUI and drug-related cases, we offer flat-fee pricing without retainers or hourly billing. You can discuss the accusation, the court involved, and the next steps before deciding how to proceed.

You can call us or submit the contact form to request a consultation. Bring or have available any charging documents, bond paperwork, court notices, and other records connected with the allegation.

Call (706) 208-1514 to schedule your free consultation with our prescription fraud attorney in Athens.

The title of a prescription-related charge doesn’t establish whether Georgia treats it as a felony or misdemeanor. The statute, substance, and alleged conduct determine the offense classification and potential penalties.

Felony & Misdemeanor Prescription Fraud Statutes

Georgia uses separate statutes for allegations involving controlled substances and dangerous drugs. Identifying the applicable provision is essential to understanding the charge and possible penalties.

Controlled Substance Fraud Under O.C.G.a. § 16-13-43
A violation is a felony. A conviction may carry imprisonment for up to eight years, a fine of up to $50,000, or both. The statute addresses several alleged methods of acquiring medication, including fraud, forgery, deception, subterfuge, theft, and withholding specified prescription information from a practitioner.

Dangerous Drug Fraud Under O.C.G.a. § 16-13-78
A violation is a misdemeanor. This provision concerns dangerous drugs obtained or sought through deceit, material concealment, prescription alteration, or use of a false name or address. The phrase prescription fraud alone doesn’t identify the applicable law, so we examine the drug and the prosecution’s factual theory.

Potential Alternatives for Qualifying Drug Defendants

Some defendants may qualify for a resolution designed to avoid a criminal conviction, but eligibility isn’t automatic. The charge, prior record, statutory restrictions, and required approvals can affect whether an alternative is available.

Potential options may include:

First offender treatment: A first offender plea under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 can allow certain defendants to avoid a criminal conviction if they satisfy the applicable requirements.
Conditional discharge: O.C.G.A. § 16-13-2 can allow certain drug defendants to avoid a conviction, depending on the charge and prior record.
Felony Drug Court: The Western Judicial Circuit program provides judicially supervised outpatient treatment for qualifying felony offenders in Athens-Clarke County.

The program consists of five phases and generally lasts 18 to 24 months. Admission requires approval from the District Attorney’s office and the program coordinator. Participation may not fit every charge or defendant, so we review eligibility alongside the evidence and other possible resolutions.

Continue Reading Read Less

Have Questions?

What is first offender, and can I use a first offender plea for a drug charge?

In Georgia there is a general first offender pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 and a conditional discharge pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 16-13-2, both of which are potentially available to a person that is charged with certain types of drugs offenses. Whether first offender or conditional discharge is allowed will be determined by the specific charges and the individual's criminal history. The benefit of either option is that an individual that successfully completes either a first offender or conditional discharge sentence can avoid a criminal conviction for those charges under Georgia law. That means that a person can potentially avoid having a drug or felony conviction on their permanent criminal history.
What defenses are available in my case?

Anytime anybody is facing criminal charges, including drug offenses, they want to know what kind of defenses are available in their case. An experienced defense attorney will look through the State's evidence to examine whether the stop or seizuire of the individual was lawful, was the search of the individual, house or vehicle was legal, and whether any statements made may be admissible against them in court. These are just some of the basic defenses, however, each case is unique and different and has differenct defenses that will need to be examined or explored. This is exactly why a person will want an experienced criminal defense lawyer that has years of experience examing, researching and evaluating these and other defenses.
Will I go to jail if I am convicted of a drug offense?

A drug offense could be a misdemeanor or felony offense, either type of offense carries a risk of jail or prison time. The facts of the case and the individual's specific circumstances will determine how significant the risk of confinement if convicted of a drug offense. Also, what offense the person is charged with can determine the risk of confinement. A criminal defense attorney will examine the charges, the facts of the case, and all potential defenses to determine the risk to that individual. Additionally, even if a person is convicted there are alternatives to confinement and even alternatives to a conviction appearing on their criminal history for the rest of their lives.

View All FAQs

Why Choose Slider Law?

Clear Guidance. Strong Defense. Always on Your Side.

Former Prosecutor on Your Team
With our prior experience, we know what the other side is thinking.
Available Day or Night
Don't hesitate! Give us a call whenever you need legal help.
Meet with Us Virtually
You don't need to come to our office. We can meet virtually!
Free Phone Consultations
Talk through all of your legal options during a free consultation.

Contact Us Today

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
🛡️ Please enter the above verification code:
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Slider Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Slider Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

- “He Communicated Well.”
  “Jason did an excellent job and he is a good person to work with.”
  
  - Steve L.
- “Very Professional and Hard Working.”
  “Working with Baker and Slider was a great experience!”
  
  - Alan H.
- “Thank You So Much for All Your Hard Work!”
  “Jason Slider was amazing for our case AND he answered my calls on a HOLIDAY!”
  
  - Brittany K.
- “Steered Us in the Right Direction.”
  “It was a pleasure having Mr. Baker as our attorney. He was outstanding in every aspect as he represented us in our case.”
  
  - Thesa B.
- “Well Worth the Money to Have a Piece of Mind!”
  “Mr. Slider great attorney he helped me tremendously with my case!”
  
  - Trevor W.
- “Y’all Think the Same as I Do He Is the Best!”
  “If your looking for someone to fight and defend you this is the man for the job.”
  
  - Cynthia J.
- “I Commend His Attitude and Ethic.”
  “Mr. Slider not only does his job, he cares. I got very lucky and randomly found him on the web when my son got into some trouble in Athens.”
  
  - Eddie H.
- “He Goes Above and Beyond for His Clients.”
  “Mr. Slider is an outstanding attorney.”
  
  - Alex W.

View All Reviews