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Could a prescription land you in jail?

On Behalf of | Feb 18, 2023 | Drug Crimes

Sorting through Pennsylania’s drug laws and regulations can feel overwhelming. For example, what happens if the police pull you over and find pills in your vehicle?

If you have prescription medication in your vehicle, the police may charge you with possession depending on a few factors.

Is the prescription yours?

One of the first actions the police will take is to establish who the pills belong to. If you have a bottle with your name, you should always keep your medication in it, especially during transport. This can clear up confusion should the police find the pills. However, if the drugs are not yours, there are other factors the police consider when deciding on charges.

What kind of pills do you have?

The type and number of pills are perhaps the most crucial in determining whether you do or do not face drug-related charges. Pills that the police do not consider addictive or controlled will likely not come with anything more than a firm warning. If the medication can cause drowsiness, the police may want to engage in roadside testing to ensure you can drive.

However, if the pills belong to a certain classification of drugs, making them easy to abuse, you may face drug possession charges if a doctor did not prescribe them to you. Drugs that fall under this include:

  • Methamphetamines
  • Opioids
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone

The police can determine that the number of pills in your possession makes it likely that you intend to deal or distribute them. In this case, you may find yourself dealing with a high felony that can land you in jail. Should this happen, you should consider engaging a professional to help you figure out your options.

Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Defense: Law, Tactics, and Procedure | by Patrick F. Lauer, Jr. | Revere Legal Publishers