Medical care is expensive, so there are times when people cannot afford or access the care they need. Unfortunately, that leaves some people without the prescription drugs that they need to help them with their medical conditions. Out of desperation, some turn to friends or other sources for those medications without a prescription, but doing that is illegal — and the charges can be serious.
Many people assume that drug charges are reserved for cases involving illegal street drugs; however, you can face drug charges in connection with prescription drugs. Taking prescription drugs that belong to someone else or giving your prescription drugs to other people can all lead to criminal charges.
Reasons sharing prescriptions is risky
When a doctor writes a prescription, they take the patient’s medical history, condition and various other factors into account. This allows them to ensure the medication, strength and dosage are correct. When one person gives another person a prescription medication, there isn’t a doctor overseeing the transaction, so the medication, strength and dosage may not be correct for the person who’s receiving the medication.
The legal risks are also considerable because even giving or receiving one single pill can be considered unlawful distribution, depending on the drug and the circumstances. The amount of the medication, the packaging of the pills, the exchange of money and other evidence may also come into the picture. The larger the quantity, the more serious the potential consequences of any charges.
Drug charges related to prescription drugs should be taken seriously. Understanding the defense strategy options may help defendants to determine how to move forward. Working with someone familiar with these cases may be beneficial.