Prescription drugs are part of life for many people. For some people, they are a daily need, while for others, it’s occasional. We recently discussed how sharing your prescription drugs with someone else has the potential for you both to face criminal charges.
Yet that is not the only way that prescription drugs could lead to problems with the law. Here are some more things to be aware of.
1. If you sell them
If sharing is illegal, then it stands to reason that selling your drugs is, too. It also stands to reason that you could face more severe penalties if found guilty. However, you don’t need to be the one selling them to come under suspicion.
Some people find themselves facing charges because another person has been getting prescriptions in their name without their knowledge and selling them. Certain drugs, such as opioids, have a big black market. This can lead unscrupulous people to put others at legal risk in the pursuit of a profit.
2. If you drive after taking them
Impaired driving charges are not restricted to those who are drunk or who have taken recreational drugs such as marijuana. They can apply to anyone whose driving leads the police to suspect them to be impaired. Many prescription drugs or combinations of them have side effects such as drowsiness, which can make driving dangerous.
You should always read the leaflet that comes with your drugs and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts about whether they will affect your driving. Note that a reference on a label to not operating heavy machinery includes not driving.
If you find yourself facing charges, seeking prompt legal guidance will be a wise move.