Anyone who gets caught in possession of prohibited drugs is likely already aware that their actions violate the law. Those who possess, manufacture or distribute prohibited drugs can face serious criminal charges and major penalties.
Plenty of other people could be at risk of drug charges and may not even realize how vulnerable they are. The medication they take to control their health concerns could put them at risk of criminal charges.
There are many ways that people can break the law with prescription medications. Prescribed drugs are another type of controlled substance. They are subject to state and federal regulations regarding their use and dispensation. People who do not comply with all drug-related regulations could be at risk of criminal prosecution.
How do people break the law with prescriptions?
There are many different types of controlled substances or prescription drugs. They are subject to medical oversight because they pose a risk of medical harm or abuse. The government actually schedules these drugs to classify them based on overall risk. The lower the schedule number, the more dangerous the drug is. Those facing prescription drug charges may face variable penalties depending on the type of drug, the amount of the drug and other factors, such as their criminal record.
Only those who have current prescriptions from licensed health care professionals can possess and consume prescribed drugs. They typically have to do so in accordance with the doctor’s instructions and have to obtain the medication from a regulated source. People who source their medication from unregulated providers due to the end of a prescription or insurance issues could be at risk of prosecution.
Those with leftover medication after completing a drug regimen could also put themselves at risk of prosecution if they give or sell their medication to other people. The act of transferring medication, even without any financial compensation, constitutes a serious drug offense. Even driving after consuming prescription medication could lead to criminal prosecution. The state could accuse the patient of impaired driving.
Anyone facing drug-related criminal charges likely needs help responding, and that’s okay. Developing a reasonable defense strategy can help those facing drug charges avoid a conviction or limit the fallout of the accusations that they face.