Drug charges are not just a concern for young people and those with substance abuse issues. Many people who might never consider experimenting with prohibited drugs can still end up facing drug charges.
State statutes do not just restrict the use of street drugs like methamphetamine and heroin. The law also strictly controls the acquisition, distribution and use of prescription medication. People with significant medical issues could find themselves facing criminal charges because of what they do with their prescription drugs. The following are some of the most common reasons for the state to prosecute people because of prescription drugs.
Driving while on medication
A variety of different medications can affect how well someone drives. Pain relievers, sleep aids, muscle relaxants and even certain psychiatric drugs can impair driving ability. People who have acclimated to those medications may feel confident about their ability to drive. However, if they admit to taking medication before driving, police officers might arrest them. If it is determined by officers that there is probable cause to believe a driver has any loss of the normal use of their mental and/or physical faculties due to the introduction of drugs into their system, they can arrest the driver for driving while intoxicated.
Buying from unregulated sources
Sometimes, doctors end prescriptions while patients still have symptoms or feel dependent on medications. Other times, insurance may not fully cover the cost of medication. People may find that it is easier or cheaper to access certain medications on the unregulated market. Prescription medication is typically only legal to possess and use when a patient has a current prescription and obtains their medication from a licensed provider.
Sharing medication with others
There are many scenarios in which people might dispense medication prescribed to them to another person. Perhaps a loved one has a similar medical issue but no insurance. Maybe the person with the prescription completed treatment and has leftover medication remaining. Whatever the reason, those who get caught providing prescription medication to others could face very serious charges depending on the circumstances.
Reviewing – with a skilled legal team – a situation that led to prescription medication charges can help people respond appropriately. With the right support, those accused of breaking the law with medication may be able to avoid a criminal conviction.