Doctor Shopping Laws in Tennessee
Searching for a Lawyer for Drug Crime Charges in Memphis?
Doctor shopping is one type of drug crime that poses the risk of harsh penalties. Tennessee has 'specific' and 'general' doctor shopping laws. This crime is defined as a patient who obtains a controlled substance from several doctors without them knowing that they are already in possession of other prescriptions. Most states fall under having a general fraud statute that they follow when it comes to doctor shipping.
These statutes come from a provision under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which states that obtaining drugs through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation etc. is illegal. Specific doctor shopping laws prohibit patients from withholding the knowledge of other prescriptions from health care practitioners. This means that having received any controlled substance from another doctor, whether or not it is the same one as they are trying to receive from the current doctor, is prohibited.
On April 1, 2013 it became a new law to have doctors check databases in order to monitor the pharmacy activity of their patients before they write prescriptions. If doctors do not use the database, they can be fined or their license can be revoked.
Is Doctor Shopping a Felony?
Tennessee law does not handle doctor shopping lightly. This is a felony offense that is punishable by between one and six years in jail.
The state continues to crack down on these offenses in order to put a stop to doctor shopping. If you are facing these serious charges, you need to immediately seek experienced drug crime defense representation in Memphis
Contact The Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A. to schedule a free case evaluation and discuss the possible defenses for your case. With more than 35 years of experience, we have seen all types of drug cases and we are familiar with the proceedings that can follow a drug shopping arrest.
We take the time to answer all your questions, explain your options, and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Blog & FAQ Stay Updated
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Will I Go to Trial?Depending on your case and the way that your attorney approaches the case. If you and your attorney are able to reach a resolution through negotiations before trial, that you may not have to go to court. But if a remedy cannot be reached than you will have to go to trial. There are times that a case is dismissed before trial so there is a chance that your will not have to appear in court.
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The Police Are Asking to Search My Car. Should I Let Them?No. As a U.S. citizen, you have rights to protection from unlawful search and seizure, which means that officials must have your consent or a warrant in order to search your person as well as places such as your car, home, or office.
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The Police Officer Says That It Will Go Better for Me if I Confess. Should I?No. It is true that a deal may be worked out in exchange for a guilty plea in some cases; however, it is also important to know that police officers can lie to you in order to elicit information or a confession. With this being said, it is crucial that you do not confess or deny anything until you can speak with a legal representative.
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