Prescription Fraud

Prescription Fraud Attorney in Georgetown

Facing Prescription Fraud Charges? Trust a Local Attorney

If you or someone you care about faces prescription fraud charges in Georgetown, having a knowledgeable defense team matters. At Winters & Chidester, we bring firsthand experience from both prosecuting and defending these cases.

Our team understands how Williamson County courts and local prosecutors approach these allegations, and we guide clients through each step with open communication and tailored counsel. Choose us for dedicated legal advocates who know the stakes and work to protect your future.

Secure a Georgetown prescription fraud lawyer with former prosecutor insight. Schedule your free consultations by calling (512) 961-4555 or reach out online now. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish.

Understanding Prescription Fraud Laws in Texas

Prescription Fraud charges encompass a wide variety of deceptive acts aimed at illegally acquiring controlled substances (such as Oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall) that are legally regulated under the U.S. Drug Schedules.

Georgetown serves as the county seat for Williamson County, a region where drug offenses—including prescription fraud—fall under Texas Health & Safety Code laws.

A person commits Prescription Fraud if they knowingly engage in acts such as:

Forgery: Issuing a prescription bearing a forged or fictitious signature.
Misrepresentation: Obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge (e.g., calling in a fraudulent prescription).
Doctor Shopping: Obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled substance while concealing the fact that the person has an existing prescription for the same controlled substance from another practitioner.
Unauthorized Use: Using a prescription form or a valid prescription issued to another person.
Altering Records: Furnishing false information in records required to be kept or filed under the Texas Controlled Substances Act (often applicable to medical staff or pharmacists).

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Prescription Fraud

A prescription fraud attorney in Georgetown conviction triggers severe penalties far beyond incarceration, often damaging careers and reputations permanently.

Penalty Classification (Felony vs. Misdemeanor)

The severity of the charge is determined by the Schedule of the prescription drug involved:

Schedule I or II Drug (e.g., Oxycodone, Morphine): Second-Degree Felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Schedule III or IV Drug (e.g., Xanax, Valium): Third-Degree Felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Schedule V Drug (e.g., certain codeine cough syrups): Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.

Incarceration and Financial Penalties

Felony Prison Time: Ranges from 180 days in state jail up to 20 years in state prison, depending on the drug schedule.
Professional License Loss: For doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, a felony conviction for fraud or drug-related offenses almost always results in the immediate and permanent revocation of their professional license.
Driver's License Suspension: A felony drug conviction carries a mandatory driver's license suspension.

Lifelong Collateral Damage

Permanent Felony Record: A felony record cannot be sealed or expunged, creating a lifelong barrier to employment in any job involving money, drugs, or public trust.
Immigration Status: A drug or fraud felony is a severe crime of moral turpitude, posing a mandatory deportation risk for non-citizens.
Theft/Forgery Overlap: Prescription Fraud is often charged alongside other felonies, such as Forgery or Identity Theft, increasing prison exposure and fines.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Prescription Fraud Defense

Winters & Chidester offers a defense strategy built on penetrating the complex medical and bureaucratic evidence that the prosecution relies on.

Challenging Intent/Medical Necessity: We establish that the medication was, in fact, medically necessary or that the client lacked the intent to defraud. We use evidence of addiction or genuine pain to argue for treatment alternatives over incarceration.
Mistake or Accident Defense: We argue that any discrepancy (such as an altered quantity) was the result of a pharmacy error, a misunderstood instruction, or an honest administrative mistake, not a willful criminal act.
Attacking Forgery Claims: We work with handwriting Georgetown prescription fraud lawyer experts to challenge any claims that the client personally forged a prescription.
Strategic Negotiation: Our firm’s background as former prosecutors gives us credibility when negotiating with the District Attorney's Office, allowing us to propose non-conviction resolutions like Deferred Adjudication.

Why Work with a Prescription Fraud Lawyer in Georgetown

The stakes for prescription fraud charges are high—a conviction can affect your record, employment, and reputation for years. Our firm stands out because our criminal defense attorneys have worked as Texas prosecutors and now defend clients in these same courts.

This unique insight lets us examine a case from the government’s point of view, spot weaknesses in evidence, and anticipate legal strategies used by the prosecution.

Former prosecutors on your side: We anticipate how the prosecution may approach your case and prepare accordingly.
Personalized, hands-on representation: We invest the time to get to know your story and tailor our counsel to your needs.
Open communication: Our attorneys make it easy to get answers and updates at every step.
State & federal defense experience: Whether your case is heard in a local or federal court, we bring knowledge of both systems to the table.
Bilingual support: Services in English and Spanish ensure clear guidance for Georgetown’s diverse community.

Clients often tell us they appreciate our honesty about the process—and our willingness to explain every step in language they understand. We help you make sense of local laws, court practices, and possible legal options, no matter your background.

Whether this is your first criminal charge or you have faced the system before, our approach always centers on transparency, care, and precise preparation. We are committed to supporting you wherever your case leads.

Our Support from Consultation to Courtroom

When you reach out to Winters & Chidester, you receive practical guidance and support starting with your first consultation. At every stage, we focus on clarity, preparation, and your goals.

Initial review: We listen to your account, answer questions, and outline the next steps based on your specific situation.
Case analysis: Our team examines how authorities collected evidence, checks for possible mistakes, and evaluates circumstances that may help your case.
Ongoing support: We keep you informed, clarify each stage of the court process, and help you make confident decisions as your case moves forward.
Trial preparation: When negotiations do not resolve your case, we prepare thoroughly for court, using our background as former prosecutors to anticipate the strategies you might face.

Our steady presence in Williamson County courts benefits our clients at every step. We help you prepare for meetings, deadlines, and hearings. Our approach means you always know where your case stands—and what to expect next.

You get clear facts, honest answers, and a plan aligned with the unique features of local court procedures. This preparation builds trust and helps us deliver clear, reliable guidance throughout your legal journey.

FAQs

What is considered prescription fraud in Texas?

Prescription fraud includes forging or altering prescriptions, obtaining drugs through deception, using someone else’s prescription, or "doctor shopping" for controlled substances. Texas law recognizes these actions as criminal offenses.

Can prescription fraud be charged as a felony?

Yes. In Texas, prescription fraud cases are often felonies, depending on the circumstances. Penalties vary based on the drug involved and any prior convictions.

What happens if this is my first offense?

First-time defendants may have more legal options available. Outcomes depend on the specifics of your case, mitigating circumstances, and any diversion programs the court offers.

Will my professional license be affected?

Healthcare workers and others who work with controlled substances may face license review or discipline. The risk depends on the outcome of your case and your profession’s licensing board procedures.

How soon should I speak to an attorney?

Contact a prescription fraud lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal advice protects your rights and gives you strong guidance during investigations or court proceedings.

Contact a Prescription Fraud Attorney in Georgetown Today

If you face prescription fraud charges or have concerns about a pending investigation, reach out to the legal team at Winters & Chidester. We draw on prosecutorial and defense backgrounds to provide detailed, honest counsel for individuals in Georgetown and across Williamson County.

Call (512) 961-4555 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation and get guidance tailored to your situation.

Real People. Real Wins.

Review Some of Our Results to See for Yourself What We’ve Worked to Achieve

As Georgetown criminal attorneys, we recognize the importance of what we do. Our goal is to help our clients face brighter futures, all while protecting their constitutional rights to the fullest. We couldn't be more proud of the people we've helped and the lives we've changed.

View All Results

Case dismissed Juvenile Charged with Sexual Assault
We represented a minor charged with sexual assault. Working with our client and his family, we were able to get the case dismissed.
Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Our client was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon family violence. We were able to get the case reduced to a misdemeanor and ultimately dismissed.
Probation terminated early Extended Adjudication Probation
We represented a client who wanted to terminate their probation early. We gathered compelling evidence on their behalf and were able to have their probation terminated several years before the scheduled end date.
Case Dismissed Felony Drug Possession
Case Dismissed Interfering with a 911 Call
We represented a client charged with interfering with a 911 call and providing alcohol to a minor. By working closely with the client and negotiating with the prosecutor, we reached an agreement to have both cases dismissed.