Prescription medication is legal for people to use after a doctor recommends it. People can treat infections with antibiotics or access muscle relaxants for chronic pain when a doctor believes that specific medication is necessary.
Patients with prescription medication often take for granted that they can do whatever they want with the medication that a doctor prescribes to them. However, controlled substance laws still apply. Police officers can arrest people because of what they do with prescription medication, and state prosecutors may bring charges against those who violate certain rules.
What are some of the most common reasons that people face criminal charges because of prescription drugs?
Driving on medication
Drugged driving charges don’t always involve prohibited or illegal substances. Some people face drugged driving accusations because of a prescription that they can legally take. Medications ranging from opioid pain relievers and sleep aids to muscle relaxants, anti-seizure drugs and psychiatric medication can affect driving ability. Any medication labeled with driving warnings or instructions not to operate heavy machinery could lead to a drugged driving charge.
Sharing medication
Sometimes doctors prescribe more medication than an individual actually needs to treat their condition or control their symptoms. They may have medication left over when they finish their treatment protocol. Some people try to recoup what they spent on medication by selling it to neighbors or coworkers. Others might share their unused medication with a family member to save those people money. Even without financial gain, the act of transferring a controlled substance is a crime for anyone who is not a licensed medical professional.
Obtaining medication from illegal sources
Generally speaking, prescription medication is only legal to obtain through regulated providers. Pharmacies, physician’s offices, dentists and hospitals are among the few parties with the legal authorization to dispense controlled substances. Anyone caught acquiring their medication from an unlicensed supplier could be at risk of prosecution along with the person providing the medication. People generally can only use prescription medication in accordance with a doctor’s recommendations. They should not abuse the drug, exceed the recommended dose or give away their medication to others.
Those facing drug charges related to prescription medication may be able to defend against the allegations they face. Exploring the state’s evidence and learning more about state law can help those accused of drug crimes to potentially avoid worst-case scenarios after an arrest.
