What the law states
Section 15 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) states that:
A person who forges or fraudulently alters or utters, knowing it to be forged or fraudulently altered, a prescription of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, midwife practitioner or veterinary practitioner including a prohibited drug is guilty of an offence.
Example of this offence
An example of this offence is writing yourself a fake doctors’ prescription to obtain an illegal drug.
In which court will my matter be heard?
Forging prescriptions falls under Part 2, Division 1 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW). This means that this offence is considered a summary offence, and is heard in the Local Court.
Defences
Defences to the offence of forging prescriptions include, but are not limited to:
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Duress
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Intoxication
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Necessity
Penalties
The maximum penalty for forging prescriptions is 2 years imprisonment or $2200 or both.
How can Prime Lawyers help you?
Our criminal lawyers are experienced in representing people who have been charged with forging prescriptions. We will advise you on your chances of successfully defending your matter and thus being found ‘not guilty’. If you are pleading guilty, we will represent you at court to help minimise the punishment you receive.
If the Police’s case is weak against you, it may be possible to write to them and have them withdraw the charges against you. There are severe imprisonment terms which can be ordered by the Court and thus it is important that you seek advice from a criminal lawyer. We will fight vigorously to protect your rights.