Police officers who find people in possession of prohibited or controlled substances may assume that their intent was to abuse those drugs or distribute them to other people. In reality, there is often a completely innocent explanation for why people might have certain drugs in their possession that have nothing to do with criminal intentions.
Many people rely on prescription medications to control medical issues. Those who have just sustained injuries or undergone surgery might need particularly risky controlled substances, such as opioid pain relievers. Patients may need others to help them fill their prescriptions. Are friends or family members who pick up prescriptions for patients at risk of drug possession charges?
People can assist with prescription medication
Pharmacy regulations allow other people to pick up medications for patients who might work while the pharmacy is open or have medical issues that prevent them from driving. Those transporting medication that is still in the original packaging from the pharmacy usually do not need to worry about criminal prosecution.
However, medication in pill organizers or other containers not provided by a pharmacy could raise questions from law enforcement professionals. Additionally, open prescription files, possibly transported because a friend or family member forgot their medication somewhere, could raise questions about whether the possession and transportation of that medication is lawful.
Proving that there was a legitimate reason to possess or transport another person’s medication can be part of a defense strategy. Those accused of prescription drug crimes often need help managing the criminal proceedings that follow a favor performed for a friend or family member, and that’s okay.