Doctor Shopping
Seeking the care of several doctors to obtain prescription medication is illegal in Texas. The act is defined as “doctor shopping” and, unfortunately, State law treats alleged offenders who commit the offense as serious criminals. Doctor shopping is also considered a form of prescription fraud and can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the schedule listing the drug falls under.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 16.3% million people misuse prescriptions in a year. Doctor shopping is a grievous crime so if you are currently facing accusations, it is important to take those charges seriously by contacting a San Antonio criminal defense attorney immediately.
San Antonio Doctor Shopping Attorney, TX
If you or someone you know is facing charges for doctor shopping, it is in your best interest to consult a practiced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Texas. Doctor shopping carries harsh legal consequences, so it is important to have a skilled lawyer review your case and fight to obtain a favorable outcome. Gerald Goldstein and Cynthia Orr at Goldstein & Orr carry over 70 years of collective experience actively advocating on behalf of those accused of prescription fraud.
With offices conveniently located in San Antonio, TX, Attorneys Goldstein and Orr provide aggressive representation to clients residing in Travis County, Blanco County, Williamson County, Kimble County, Sutton County, Hays County, Kerr County, Crockett County, and Guadalupe County. Call (210) 226-1463 to secure a free, confidential consultation with Goldstein & Orr.
Information Center
- What is Doctor Shopping?
- Doctor Shopping Penalties in San Antonio, TX
- Examples of Illegal Prescription Drugs in TX
- Additional Resources
What is Doctor Shopping?
Doctor shopping occurs when a patient illegally manipulates or deceives the healthcare system to obtain controlled substances. In many cases, he or she can be charged with the crime if they are caught seeing multiple treatment providers to procure various prescription medications. A patient can also commit doctor shopping if he or she engages in the following:
- Lying about their past medical history or current symptoms
- Lying about receiving prescription from other providers
- Claiming to lose previous medications
- Lying about never taken the medication previously
According to section 481.129 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, an individual can be charged with doctor shopping or “prescription fraud” if he or she knowingly and intentionally:
- Obtains a controlled substance or combination of controlled substances that is not medically necessary for the person.
- Obtains or attempts to obtain from a practitioner a controlled substance or a prescription for a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, subterfuge, or concealment of a material fact.
Doctor Shopping Penalties in San Antonio, TX
If alleged offenders are convicted of doctor shopping, they can face stiff maximum sentences under Texas law. Under 481.129 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, penalties for the crime range as follows:
If the drug is listed in Schedule I or II:
- Second-degree felony
- 2 to 20 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
If the drug Is listed in Schedule III or IV:
- Third-degree felony
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
If the drug is listed in Schedule V:
- Class A misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $4,000 in fines
Examples of Illegal Prescription Drugs in TX
The Controlled Substances Act found in Chapter 481 of the Texas Penal Code lists various drugs that are illegal to possess without a properly obtained prescription. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs are:
- Xanax, or alprazolam
- Valium, or diazepam
- Demerol, or meperidine
- Morphine
- Vicodin, or hydrocodone
- Oxycontin, or oxymorphone
- Adderall
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
Additional Resources
CDC: Doctor Shopping – Follow the link provided to visit the official website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC offers an informative PDF that discusses doctor shopping laws and specific statistics related to the crime.
Texas Penal Code: Controlled Substances Act – Click the link to access chapter 481 of the Texas Penal Code which constitutes the Texas Controlled Substances Act. The section discusses penalties for doctor shopping and other related drug offenses.
TX Doctor Shopping Defense Attorney, Bexar County
Have you been accused of doctor shopping in Texas? Gerald Goldstein and Cynthia Orr at Goldstein & Orr have handled hundreds of doctor shopping cases in Bexar County, and they know the most effective ways to get these charges significantly reduced or dismissed. Goldstein & Orr is equipped with the experience to aggressively defend you.
Your future is at stake and you deserve skilled representation by a practiced doctor shopping defense attorney in Texas. Call (210) 226-1463 to secure your first consultation, free of charge. Goldstein & Orr serves clients in Bexar County including nearby communities such as Bastrop County, Caldwell County, Wilson County, Pecos County, Webb County, La Salle County, Hudspeth County, Pecos County, Kimble County, and San Patricio County.
