Taking prescription drugs is something that should only be done under a doctor’s supervision. For some people, the need to keep their pain under control becomes too difficult and they turn to other ways of getting the pain medications they need. In these cases, the people who get the drugs from a source other than the doctor are at risk of facing criminal charges.
Even if you have a valid prescription for a drug, it is still possible to face criminal charges for possessing it. One instance in which this would happen is if you are carrying the drug outside of its prescription container. Your prescription bottle with its valid label serves as identification for the medicine. If you are stopped by the police, they can use the prescription bottle to verify that you have a valid prescription for it.
You can’t share prescription pain medications with other people, even if they seem to need it or already have a prescription for it. When you get a prescription filled, it is intended only for you. Sharing can lead to legal troubles for you and the other person.
If you depend on prescription medication to control your pain, you should make sure that you obtain it legally. If you leave your medication out in the open, there is a chance it can be stolen. This could mean that you are forced to go without your meds, or that you have to turn to illegal methods to obtain them.
If you are facing prescription drug violations, you should know your rights. Don’t fall into the habit of thinking that you can ignore the charges. Instead, face them head-on with your criminal defense attorney strategizing how to best avoid conviction.