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How a favor for a roommate might lead to drug charges

On Behalf of | Jan 27, 2025 | Drug Crimes

There are many small mistakes people can make that might put them at risk of criminal prosecution. Some people don’t properly track their alcohol consumption and get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Others might unintentionally break the law while trying to do something kind for another person. People who cohabitate with one another often turn to each other for support when things go wrong. A roommate who stayed out all night or forgot something important at home might reach out and ask for a favor.

They might ask a roommate to bring their medication to their place of employment so that they don’t miss a dose. Such favors may seem perfectly reasonable if one roommate stays out longer than intended or simply forgets their medication at home. Unfortunately, the roommate providing assistance could end up arrested if things go wrong.

There are limits on the legal transportation of drugs

Frequently, people with medical challenges rely on others to help them run errands. A roommate or family member can potentially pick up a new prescription or a refill at a pharmacy. Neither federal nor state laws prohibit people from acquiring prescribed medication on behalf of another person.

That being said, transporting that medication with a prescription or special licensing is only legal for as long as it remains sealed in the packaging provided by a licensed pharmacy. Transporting medication in other packaging or a half-empty vial of prescription medication could put an individual at risk of drug charges.

Even if there are text messages between roommates talking about the medication, police officers can arrest an individual who is clearly in possession of medication for which they do not have a current prescription. What starts out as a small act of kindness could result in life-changing drug possession charges.

Understanding when seemingly innocent requests could carry major consequences can help people limit their legal exposure. Transporting medication for other people can be a risky undertaking in certain circumstances. Police officers are likely to assume the worst if they catch one person in possession of another individual’s medication, especially if the drug has a known association with abuse.

Those facing drug charges often need to explore the situation that led to their arrest with a skilled legal team to develop the best defense strategy. With the right help, people can potentially avoid convictions for charges based on a misunderstanding.