Prescription drugs are a part of daily life for many Georgia residents. However, prescription drugs are often misunderstood, legally-speaking.
What might seem like a harmless medication can inspire severe legal trouble if it is handled incorrectly. As such, it’s important to understand how prescription drug laws work. This knowledge can help people to avoid potentially life-altering consequences.
Sharing your meds
The act of sharing prescription drugs with another person, even without financial gain, constitutes a criminal offense known as the distribution of a controlled substance. Prescription drugs are meant for the person to whom they were prescribed. In that case, when you share prescription medications, you are essentially distributing a controlled substance without a license. This act can be charged as a felony, and you could face significant legal penalties.
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence may involve not just alcohol but also the effects of prescription medications. If your medication, even if prescribed, impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely, you risk a DUI charge. This is true even if the drugs were prescribed to you.
Certain prescription drugs can affect coordination, reaction time and judgment. Even if you’re not feeling drowsy or disoriented, the law considers any impairment caused by medication. Law enforcement officers suspecting prescription drug influence during a traffic stop may administer field sobriety tests or blood tests.
Prescription drug abuse
Georgia law enforcement takes prescription drug abuse seriously. Prescription drug misuse occurs when someone takes medication in a way other than their doctor prescribes. While prescription drugs offer significant benefits for managing chronic conditions, long-term use can increase the risk of dependence and, in some cases, addiction. As such, taking them other than how they are prescribed can lead to an arrest for possessing controlled substances without a justifiable prescription.
Maybe you started taking a few extra pain pills to get through a tough day. Or perhaps you’re crushing and snorting your ADHD meds for a more substantial effect. These actions count as drug abuse, even if the prescription is in your name. You could face possession charges or even be accused of intent to distribute.
Prescription drug charges can happen to anyone, from hardworking parents to young adults just starting out. The legal system can ultimately be confusing and overwhelming, especially when it comes to drug-related charges. While educating yourself about prescription drugs is a crucial starting point, nothing beats seeking personalized legal guidance and support.