Get arrested for legally prescribed drugs? Sounds impossible or unlikely, to most. It seems incredible that the police would have any reason to arrest someone for possessing medication prescribed by a doctor. And, yet, it something that happens every day.
Carol Zhan remembers the night it happened to her. She and her friends went out to a local night club. Carol’s small purse only fit her keys, a tiny wallet and pill box. As Carol approached the entranceway to the nightclub, the bouncer asked her to present her identification.
The security guard watched as Carol dug into her pocketbook. When he noticed that she had a pill box in her hand, he asked her what was in it. Carol explained that all of her medications were prescribed. She had only moved them to the smaller container so that they would fit into her purse.
It did not seem to matter. Although Carol offered to go get the actual medication bottles from her car, the bouncer told her they were about to call police. She was threatened with arrest.
Could Carol have been arrested if the police came to the scene? Maybe. Let’s see why.
Certain Prescription Medications Must be kept in Original Containers
Carol didn’t do anything unusual. Many people move prescription medications over to smaller containers for convenience. Some transfer them to daily supply containers so that they keep track of the number of times they take scheduled medications.
However, certain drugs are considered controlled dangerous substances (CDS). If you are prescribed one of these medications, you must keep it in the original container. Otherwise, you can get in some trouble under the law.
There is one exception. If you have less than a 10 day supply, and cooperate with the police as far as telling them who prescribed the medication and the pharmacy where it was filled, you may not be apprehended. It is important to retain counsel experienced with representing individuals charged with this offense. Otherwise, you could face severe consequences.
What drugs fall under this category specifically? Here are some examples of some medications you should make sure to keep in original containers:
- Oxycodone
- Xanax
- Adderall
- Ativan
- Tramadol
- Hydrocodone
- Valium
Keep in mind that the above list is not intended to be exclusive. These are just examples of some common drugs. It might be best to keep all medications in their original containers.
Charged with Illegal Possession of Your Own Prescription Drugs?
It can be frightening to be charged with illegal possession of your own prescription drugs, merely because they were not in the original containers. At the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo, we can assist you in your defense of this matter. Contact our office to discuss your case.
