Prescription medications are legal when secured through a doctor’s authorization and used in accordance with their instructions. However, a significant percentage of the drug charges pursued relate to prescribed medications rather than illegal substances.
People frequently make mistakes with prescribed drugs that put them at risk of arrest and prosecution. All three of the common behaviors below could potentially lead to drug-related criminal charges.
1. Buying from unlicensed providers
Some people agree to share their medication with others because they didn’t respond well to treatment or had more medication than they required. Even in cases where the parties know one another and have similar medical conditions, the act of transferring medication is a crime.
It is also illegal to obtain prescription medication from any unlicensed source. Both parties involved in such transactions are at risk of prosecution.
2. Driving on medication
Numerous different types of medications can affect driving capabilities. Even with a valid prescription, driving while under the influence of a medication that affects cognition or causes drowsiness could lead to impaired driving charges.
3. Improper storage and transportation of medication
Many people take medication out of the containers provided by the pharmacy to carry it in their purses or pockets. Those who encounter police officers while carrying medication in packaging other than the original container labeled by a pharmacy may face questions about the origins of their medication and whether they can lawfully possess those drugs.
Anyone accused of a drug offense is at risk of serious criminal penalties and a life-altering criminal record. The Summary Law Firm can help those facing drug charges in St. Louis, Missouri, or Illinois understand their options for fighting their charges during a consultation scheduled by clicking here or calling 314-784-7850.