People understand that drugs like heroin and methamphetamine are illegal. They know that if they purchase, manufacture or sell those drugs, they could very well face criminal charges. On the other hand, people are also largely aware that prescription medication is usually legal. If a doctor recommends a medication to someone, they can use it in accordance with their doctor’s instructions without any risk of arrest.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of gray area in the world of prescription drugs. Behaviors that people might think are perfectly legal could lead to them facing serious criminal charges. What mistakes do people make with prescription medication that could lead to their prosecution?
Driving after taking medication
Many different prescription medications are unsafe to take when operating heavy machinery. Vehicles are absolutely a type of study machinery. Medications labeled with warnings about drowsiness, driving or machinery operation or medications that people probably cannot legally take if they intend to drive in the near future. Even if someone believes they have developed a tolerance, the medication in their bloodstream could very well result in impaired driving charges.
Dispensing medication to others
Sometimes, a patient does not need all of the medication a doctor prescribes. Their condition improves rapidly or they find they don’t tolerate the medication well. Whatever the reason for their leftover medication, they cannot do whatever they want with it. If they transfer it to another person, even without financial gain, the state could charge them with a very serious offense like drug trafficking.
Having medication without a prescription
Just because a medication is legal to possess with a prescription does not mean that anyone can obtain and use it whenever they want. If police officers encounter someone in possession of a controlled substance that is not in its original prescription vile, they might arrest that person immediately. Those without a prescription and those who acquire drugs from unlicensed suppliers could be at risk of drug possession charges.
Those accused of violating drug statutes can sometimes avoid a conviction with the right support and defense strategy planning. Defending against drug charges instead of pleading guilty is often the best option for someone accused of breaking the law in ways that involve prescription medication.