Some drugs are legal for any adult to possess and use. Over-the-counter medications include basic pain relievers and numerous cough and cold remedies. However, more powerful medications often require medical recommendations. There are also numerous substances that have a profound impact on the human body that the government has prohibited.
If you have a prescription medication, you might assume you can do whatever you want with your pills after you pick them up from the pharmacy or that you can take a medication how you would prefer as opposed to how the doctor recommended it. Unfortunately, engaging in the wrong activity with a prescription medication, like the three behaviors below, could potentially lead to criminal charges.
Transferring medication to others
If you get caught in the act when giving your cousin your leftover sleep medication or selling your coworker your remaining pain relievers, you could face very serious criminal charges. Even transfers without any financial compensation can still lead to allegations of trafficking or distributing controlled substances.
Buying medication from others
Just because you have a valid prescription doesn’t mean that you can take as much of a medication as you would like. You have to follow the dosage and timing recommendations that your doctor included when prescribing the drug.
If you take more than a doctor recommends and run out, you can’t legally purchase more of the same medication from other people. If you get caught possessing more medication than your doctor prescribed or someone else’s drugs, you can face arrest and criminal charges.
Improperly transporting the medication
Driving while under the influence of medication could lead to drugged driving allegations. The cautionary warning about making sure how it affects you is real.
Further, if you have medications in your vehicle you should try to carrying them in the original packaging from the pharmacy, or have proof that the pills are prescribed to you. If you are stopped by the police and unable to prove that you are legally in possession of the medications you may be needlessly arrested.
Similarly, extreme caution is necessary if you want to transport medication for a friend or family member. Only sealed medication is legal for you to transport on behalf of someone else. You can face criminal charges if the police stop you and you have someone else’s prescription vial in your pocket.
Learning more about the limitations that apply to your use of prescribed medication can help you avoid drug charges.
