Prescription drug charges are treated just as seriously as other drug offenses in Maryland. If you’re accused of fraudulently obtaining prescription medication, whether for personal use or distribution, you could be facing felony charges, a criminal record, and the loss of your professional future.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we defend clients across Annapolis and the surrounding areas who have been charged with prescription fraud. We understand that these cases often stem from addiction, misunderstanding, or difficult life circumstances, not criminal intent. You can rely on us to guide you through the process and protect your rights. Contact our experienced drug crimes attorney today. 

What Is Prescription Fraud?

Prescription fraud involves using deceit or misrepresentation to obtain prescription medications illegally. These cases are often connected to controlled substances such as:

  • Oxycodone or other opioids
  • Xanax, Valium, or benzodiazepines
  • Adderall and Ritalin
  • Sleep aids or muscle relaxants

There are several ways people may be charged with this offense, including:

  • Forging or altering a prescription
  • Calling in a prescription using a false identity
  • Using someone else’s prescription to obtain drugs
  • Doctor shopping—visiting multiple physicians to get more prescriptions
  • Impersonating medical staff to access prescription pads or electronic systems

Even if you failed in filling the prescription, the attempt alone may be enough to bring charges. In many cases, people charged with prescription fraud were struggling with dependency or made a mistake out of desperation.

Penalties for Prescription Fraud in Maryland

Prescription fraud is often prosecuted under Maryland’s controlled dangerous substances laws. Depending on the facts of the case, you may face:

  • Felony charges
  • Up to 4 years in prison for a first offense
  • Fines of up to $25,000
  • Loss of professional licenses (especially for nurses, pharmacists, or healthcare workers)
  • Collateral consequences that affect employment, housing, and background checks

In more serious cases, such as those involving large quantities, multiple offenses, or alleged intent to distribute, charges may be enhanced, and federal penalties may apply.

How These Charges Often Arise

Prescription fraud charges can arise in a variety of ways, often without much warning. Common situations include:

  • A pharmacist notices an irregularity and calls the police
  • A doctor’s office flags repeated refill requests or unusual behavior
  • An employer investigates suspected drug use and finds a fraudulent prescription
  • A traffic stop or unrelated arrest reveals prescription pills not prescribed to the driver
  • State databases detect multiple prescriptions being filled across different providers

These charges often accompany related allegations, such as possession of a controlled substance, theft, or identity fraud. That’s why it’s essential to have legal counsel who can assess the full scope of your case.

Defense Strategies from Hartman Attorneys at Law

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we know how to push back against these serious accusations. We begin by reviewing the evidence closely, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and identifying opportunities to challenge their assumptions.

Depending on the circumstances, we may:

  • Argue that the prescription was valid or obtained lawfully
  • Show that you lacked intent to defraud or did not know the prescription was improper
  • Challenge whether law enforcement followed proper procedures in obtaining medical records or conducting a search
  • Pursue diversionary options such as treatment-based resolutions or probation
  • Seek to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors or negotiate for alternative sentencing

Attorney Christian Hartman’s background as a former prosecutor gives us a strategic advantage. We understand how the state builds these cases and how to dismantle them when the facts don’t hold up.

Local Legal Insight in Annapolis and Beyond

Prescription fraud is often prosecuted aggressively in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and neighboring jurisdictions. Prosecutors may view these cases as a matter of public safety or abuse of the medical system. We understand how local courts approach these charges and what options may be available for resolution, particularly for first-time offenders or those seeking assistance for substance-related issues.

We’ll help you understand what to expect and stand by your side every step of the way.

Legal Help for Prescription Fraud Charges in Annapolis

If you’ve been charged with prescription fraud in Maryland, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the more we can do to protect your rights and your record. Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law today to schedule your free consultation with a prescription fraud defense attorney in Annapolis.

Prescription Fraud

Prescription drug charges are treated just as seriously as other drug offenses in Maryland. If you’re accused of fraudulently obtaining prescription medication, whether for personal use or distribution, you could be facing felony charges, a criminal record, and the loss of your professional future.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we defend clients across Annapolis and the surrounding areas who have been charged with prescription fraud. We understand that these cases often stem from addiction, misunderstanding, or difficult life circumstances, not criminal intent. You can rely on us to guide you through the process and protect your rights. Contact our experienced drug crimes attorney today. 

What Is Prescription Fraud?

Prescription fraud involves using deceit or misrepresentation to obtain prescription medications illegally. These cases are often connected to controlled substances such as:

  • Oxycodone or other opioids
  • Xanax, Valium, or benzodiazepines
  • Adderall and Ritalin
  • Sleep aids or muscle relaxants

There are several ways people may be charged with this offense, including:

  • Forging or altering a prescription
  • Calling in a prescription using a false identity
  • Using someone else’s prescription to obtain drugs
  • Doctor shopping—visiting multiple physicians to get more prescriptions
  • Impersonating medical staff to access prescription pads or electronic systems

Even if you failed in filling the prescription, the attempt alone may be enough to bring charges. In many cases, people charged with prescription fraud were struggling with dependency or made a mistake out of desperation.

Penalties for Prescription Fraud in Maryland

Prescription fraud is often prosecuted under Maryland’s controlled dangerous substances laws. Depending on the facts of the case, you may face:

  • Felony charges
  • Up to 4 years in prison for a first offense
  • Fines of up to $25,000
  • Loss of professional licenses (especially for nurses, pharmacists, or healthcare workers)
  • Collateral consequences that affect employment, housing, and background checks

In more serious cases, such as those involving large quantities, multiple offenses, or alleged intent to distribute, charges may be enhanced, and federal penalties may apply.

How These Charges Often Arise

Prescription fraud charges can arise in a variety of ways, often without much warning. Common situations include:

  • A pharmacist notices an irregularity and calls the police
  • A doctor’s office flags repeated refill requests or unusual behavior
  • An employer investigates suspected drug use and finds a fraudulent prescription
  • A traffic stop or unrelated arrest reveals prescription pills not prescribed to the driver
  • State databases detect multiple prescriptions being filled across different providers

These charges often accompany related allegations, such as possession of a controlled substance, theft, or identity fraud. That’s why it’s essential to have legal counsel who can assess the full scope of your case.

Defense Strategies from Hartman Attorneys at Law

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we know how to push back against these serious accusations. We begin by reviewing the evidence closely, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and identifying opportunities to challenge their assumptions.

Depending on the circumstances, we may:

  • Argue that the prescription was valid or obtained lawfully
  • Show that you lacked intent to defraud or did not know the prescription was improper
  • Challenge whether law enforcement followed proper procedures in obtaining medical records or conducting a search
  • Pursue diversionary options such as treatment-based resolutions or probation
  • Seek to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors or negotiate for alternative sentencing

Attorney Christian Hartman’s background as a former prosecutor gives us a strategic advantage. We understand how the state builds these cases and how to dismantle them when the facts don’t hold up.

Local Legal Insight in Annapolis and Beyond

Prescription fraud is often prosecuted aggressively in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and neighboring jurisdictions. Prosecutors may view these cases as a matter of public safety or abuse of the medical system. We understand how local courts approach these charges and what options may be available for resolution, particularly for first-time offenders or those seeking assistance for substance-related issues.

We’ll help you understand what to expect and stand by your side every step of the way.

Legal Help for Prescription Fraud Charges in Annapolis

If you’ve been charged with prescription fraud in Maryland, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the more we can do to protect your rights and your record. Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law today to schedule your free consultation with a prescription fraud defense attorney in Annapolis.