You thought nothing would go wrong the one time you decided you wanted to try taking drugs. You’ve been in pain following a surgery, and you ran out of opiates. What’s the harm in taking something you were previously prescribed? Why is that such a big deal?
Possessing drugs is a serious crime in the eyes of the law, and it’s one you may pay for financially and with your time and freedom. People who are arrested for drug crimes face the scrutiny of those around them as well as a number of possible penalties. If convicted, people often face heavy fines, sentences including jail or prison time and other penalties.
Even if you previously had a prescription for drugs you bought, it’s illegal to purchase them from individuals who are not pharmacists. Additionally, you have to have a current prescription if you intend to refill a medication that is a controlled substance.
Fortunately, it’s often a possibility for first-time offenders to seek alternatives to harsh penalties. Someone who is only accused of possessing drugs could seek to go to treatment in lieu of a prison sentence, for instance. Those in pain or who make mistakes because of their need for relief could be given other alternatives as well.
The types of penalties you’d face for a conviction depends on the kinds of drugs in your possession, the quantity of those drugs and if you intended to sell or transport them. Simple possession has the fewest and lightest penalties in most cases, whereas intending to sell drugs results in harsher penalties. Our site has more on what to expect if you’re accused of drug crimes.