Prescription medication is made available via a medical referral. People see a doctor about their symptoms. The doctor prescribes medication. The patient picks that medication up from a local pharmacy. They can then possess and use the medication in accordance with their doctor’s recommendations.
While prescription medication is theoretically legal, it is subject to numerous legal restrictions. People can end up facing criminal charges because of what they do with prescribed medication. What are some of the most common ways that people can break the law with prescription drugs?
1. Driving after taking medication
Impaired driving does not always involve alcohol. Sometimes, it involves other types of mind-altering substances. People get arrested regularly for driving while under the influence of street drugs. People can also face criminal prosecution over prescription medication consumed before driving.
Any medication marked with a warning about driving or operating heavy machinery is likely not safe to take before driving. Medications with drowsiness warnings could also be unsafe to take before driving. People sometimes assume that their tolerance for medication makes their use of it safe, but the state may prosecute them regardless of their ability if they fail a chemical test.
2. Transferring medication to others
Perhaps a patient discovers that they have a poor reaction to the pain relievers provided by their physician. Maybe they recover faster than they anticipated, and they have leftover pills.
Some people might try to sell that medication to a neighbor or coworker to recoup their payments to acquire the medicine. Others might give their leftover medication away to spouses or other family members. What seems like a kind or common-sense behavior is technically a violation of the law. Any transfer of prescribed medication to a third party could lead to criminal prosecution.
3. Choosing an unlicensed source
Having a valid prescription does not make all possession of medication lawful. People still need to abide by medical recommendations. They also need to acquire their medication from a licensed provider.
An individual with a valid prescription who acquires their medication from an unlicensed party could be at risk of criminal prosecution. They could also be vulnerable to issues such as contaminated or counterfeit medicine.
Those accused of violating the law with prescription drugs may need help responding to the charges they face. Fighting prescription drug charges can help people avoid major penalties. Those who have support after an unexpected arrest can work to limit the fallout of mistakes made with prescribed medication.