Prescription Fraud Attorney in Kentucky

Your Defense Starts with Us: How We Support Those Accused of Prescription Fraud in Louisville, KY

When you face a prescription fraud charge in Louisville, Kentucky, you deserve knowledgeable guidance, clear answers, and strong support. At William M. Butler, Jr., Attorney at Law, our team draws on more than 35 years of criminal defense trial practice to help clients move forward. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand what comes next.

We understand that accusations can affect your livelihood, family relationships, and reputation. Local prosecutors and judges in Jefferson County often review these cases closely, which makes it vital to have a legal team that remains fully committed from the start.

You are not alone in this fight. The Law Office of William M. Butler offers a free consultation to help you understand your legal options. Our firm has over 35 years of experience and a proven record of success in providing the aggressive and strategic defense you need. Contact a Kentucky prescription fraud lawyer by calling (502) 237-0871 or reaching out online.

Understanding Prescription Fraud Laws in Kentucky

In Kentucky, prescription fraud is prosecuted under several key statutes in the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), most notably KRS § 218A.282, "Forgery of a prescription," and KRS § 218A.140, "Prohibited acts relating to controlled substances." These laws cover a wide range of activities that go beyond just forging a prescription. 

A prescription fraud attorney in Kentucky must be familiar with all the ways the state can pursue these charges, including:

• Forgery of a Prescription (KRS § 218A.282): This is the act of falsely making, altering, or completing a written instrument that is or purports to be a prescription. This is a felony offense.
• Deception to Obtain a Controlled Substance (KRS § 218A.140): This includes "doctor shopping," which is visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions without their knowledge, lying to a doctor or pharmacist to get a controlled substance, or using a fake name or identity to obtain medication.

The penalties for a conviction are determined by the drug's schedule and the amount involved. Forgery of a prescription is a Class D felony for a first offense, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, and a Class C felony for a second or subsequent offense, punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison. A skilled Kentucky prescription fraud lawyer will scrutinize the charges against you and fight to have them reduced or dismissed entirely.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

The core elements the prosecution must prove for a conviction for forgery of a prescription include:

• Intent to Defraud: The prosecution must prove that you acted with the specific intent to defraud, deceive, or injure another person. This is a critical area for a strong defense, as we can argue that you lacked the requisite intent.
• Falsely Made or Altered Instrument: The state must prove that you falsely made, completed, or altered a written instrument that was or purported to be a prescription.

For a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by deception, the prosecution must prove:

• Knowledge and Deception: The prosecution must prove that you knowingly and intentionally engaged in a deceptive act to obtain a controlled substance.

A knowledgeable Kentucky prescription fraud lawyer understands that these cases often rely on a paper trail of medical and pharmacy records. We will challenge the validity of these records and the prosecution's interpretation of the facts.