Prescription Fraud Attorney in Nashville

Facing Prescription Fraud Charges In Nashville? Call the Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby Now

If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by an investigator about prescription drug accusations in Nashville-Davidson, you are likely worried about what happens next. A prescription fraud allegation can threaten your freedom, your record, and your career, especially if you work in healthcare or a licensed field.

At Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby, we defend people facing prescription-related criminal charges in Nashville. Our attorney has handled thousands of criminal cases in Tennessee, and we understand how prosecutors and judges here approach prescription drug offenses. We provide non-judgmental, compassionate representation, and we take time to explain your rights and options in plain language.

You do not have to sort through this alone or guess about your next move. We are here to guide you through every stage of your case so you can make informed decisions and work to protect your future.

Protect your professional license and your future by hiring a Nashville prescription fraud lawyer who understands the system. Take advantage of our free consultation and 24/7 support by calling (615) 745-3434 or contacting us online today.

Understanding Prescription Fraud Laws in Tennessee

Prescription fraud in Tennessee is governed by several statutes within the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.), primarily under T.C.A. § 53-11-402 and T.C.A. § 71-5-2601 (TennCare Fraud). These laws make it illegal to acquire or attempt to acquire a controlled substance through misrepresentation, forgery, or deception.

As a Nashville prescription fraud lawyer team, we handle cases involving a wide range of allegations:

• Doctor Shopping (T.C.A. § 53-11-402(a)(6)): It is illegal to knowingly fail to disclose to a healthcare provider that you have received a prescription for the same or a similar controlled substance from another provider within the last 30 days.
• Forgery of Prescriptions: Altering a legitimate prescription (e.g., changing the quantity or the drug name) or creating entirely fraudulent prescription pads is a serious felony offense.
• Prescription Diversion: This often involves healthcare workers—nurses, pharmacists, or office staff—who use their position to steal medication or call in fraudulent prescriptions for themselves or others.
• TennCare Fraud: If the fraudulent prescription was paid for using state-funded insurance (TennCare), the charges can be significantly enhanced under T.C.A. § 71-5-2601, adding layers of administrative penalties and higher felony classes.
• Identity Theft in Prescription Fraud: Under T.C.A. § 53-11-416, if you use another person's identifying information to obtain a prescription, you may face additional counts of identity theft, which carry their own severe penalties.

Penalties for Prescription Fraud Convictions in Tennessee

The consequences of a prescription fraud conviction in Tennessee are punitive and far-reaching. Most prescription fraud offenses are classified as Class D Felonies.

• Incarceration: A Class D felony in Tennessee carries a sentencing range of 2 to 12 years in a state penitentiary.
• Hefty Fines: Fines can reach up to $100,000 for violations involving Schedule I or II controlled substances (like Fentanyl or Oxycodone).
• Professional License Revocation: For healthcare workers, a conviction or even a formal charge often leads to an immediate investigation by the Tennessee Department of Health and the potential permanent loss of your nursing, medical, or pharmacy license.
• Employment Barriers: A felony fraud conviction is a "red flag" for employers, particularly those in the financial, medical, or government sectors.
• Loss of Civil Rights: As a convicted felon in Tennessee, you lose your right to vote and your right to possess a firearm.

Steps To Take After A Drug Arrest in Nashville-Davidson

An arrest or knock on the door from an investigator can feel overwhelming. You might be tempted to explain everything right away, especially if you believe there is a misunderstanding about your prescriptions or medical conditions. It is important to protect yourself by taking a few careful steps instead of reacting in the moment.

Key steps to protect yourself after a prescription fraud arrest include:

• Avoid discussing details of the case with police, employers, or others until you have legal advice.
• Keep all charging papers, bond documents, and court notices together in a safe place.
• Make a list of doctors, pharmacies, and dates related to the prescriptions in question.
• Attend every court date listed on your paperwork and arrive early for sessions in Nashville courts.
• Contact a local criminal defense attorney as soon as you can to review your situation.

If you are booked into custody, your initial court appearance in a Nashville case will typically be in Davidson County General Sessions Court at the Justice A. A. Birch Building. The paperwork you receive at or after release contains important information about your case number and next court date. It is important to keep those documents and bring them when you meet with a lawyer.

Law enforcement officers and investigators may ask you to give a written or recorded statement. You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney before speaking in detail. Choosing to wait and talk first with a prescription fraud lawyer in Nashville can prevent statements from being taken out of context or used against you later.

Why Choose Our Prescription Fraud Lawyers in Nashville

Our attorney has experience with thousands of criminal cases. This breadth of work means we have seen a wide range of charging strategies, evidence problems, and negotiation patterns in Davidson County General Sessions Court and in Criminal Court. We draw on that experience to evaluate your situation from every angle and to look for weaknesses in the state’s case.

We also know that people facing these charges often feel judged before they even step into a courtroom. Many clients are dealing with pain management, chronic medical conditions, or substance use issues. We provide a non-judgmental and respectful environment, so you can speak openly about what happened.

Communication is central to how we work. We talk through the charges, potential consequences, and realistic options, and we make sure you understand what each court date in Nashville involves. Our goal is that you never feel left in the dark or unsure about what comes next. We stay accessible, return calls, and encourage questions, because this is your life and your case.

We are also mindful of cost. Criminal charges can create financial strain, especially if your job or license is at risk. We focus on affordability and transparency, so you know how fees work and what to expect. When you reach out to us, we discuss your situation and explain how representation can be structured, so there are fewer surprises.

How We Defend Prescription Fraud Cases

Defending a prescription fraud case requires careful attention to both the legal details and the specific circumstances of your situation. At Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby, we begin by reviewing the complaint, police reports, and all evidence provided by the state to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential legal issues. We examine how prescription records, pharmacy data, and medical information were obtained, and we assess whether the state can prove intent—distinguishing between deliberate wrongdoing and misunderstandings about dosage or refills.

We also consider the broader impact on your life, including professional licenses, employment, and personal well-being. Depending on your situation, we explore treatment-focused resolutions or diversion programs available in Nashville while being realistic about eligibility. From initial review through court appearances in Davidson County General Sessions or Criminal Court, we provide steady guidance, protect your rights, and pursue every reasonable strategy to limit the consequences of a prescription fraud charge.

At the Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby, we don't just "accept" the police report as fact. Our methodology includes:

• Challenging the CSMD Data: The state’s database is not perfect. We look for clerical errors, double-entries, or instances where another person used your name to obtain drugs.
• Proving Lack of Intent: We gather evidence of your medical history and communication with doctors to show that any "omissions" were accidental and not part of a scheme to defraud.
• Constitutional Defenses: If the evidence against you was obtained through an illegal search of your medical records or your person, we file motions to suppress that evidence.
• Addiction-Based Mitigation: We work with addiction specialists to present a "rehabilitative" plan to the prosecutor. Often, showing that a client is taking proactive steps toward recovery can lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Talk To Our Nashville Defense Firm

Facing prescription fraud allegations in Nashville can feel isolating, but you do not have to face the system alone. When you contact Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby, you reach a criminal defense firm that understands Tennessee prescription laws and the day-to-day realities of Davidson County courts.

We offer personalized attention, clear communication, and a non-judgmental approach to every case. Our attorney draws on experience with thousands of criminal matters to evaluate your situation and to guide you through each step. We are mindful of cost and work to keep our services accessible while providing thorough defense representation.

Call (615) 745-3434 or reach out online now to speak with our Nashville prescription fraud attorney today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For Prescription Fraud?

Jail is possible in some Tennessee prescription fraud cases, but it is not automatic. The risk depends on the specific charge, your prior record, and the facts of the case. We review all of this with you and work to pursue options that may limit or avoid incarceration where possible.

Can This Charge Stay Off My Record?

Whether a prescription-related charge can stay off your record depends on factors like the offense level, prior history, and available programs. In some situations, diversion or reduced charges may be options. We explain what is realistic in your case and discuss strategies to lessen long-term record impact.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm?

Legal fees for prescription fraud defense vary based on case complexity, evidence volume, and court stage. We discuss fees with you up front and focus on affordability and transparency, so you understand the costs before making decisions about representation and can plan accordingly.

What Will You Actually Do In My Case?

We review the charges and evidence, advise you about Tennessee law, and help you decide how to proceed. We communicate with the prosecutor, look for weaknesses in the state’s case, and prepare you for each Nashville court date. Throughout, we keep you informed and involved in strategy decisions.

Will You Judge Me For Addiction Or Mistakes?

No. Our role is to protect your rights and future, not to judge you. Many clients facing prescription charges struggle with pain, medical conditions, or substance use. We provide a respectful, non-judgmental environment so you can speak openly and so we can address both legal and practical concerns.

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