Defending Your Rights. Protecting Your Future.

Can the cops arrest you for storing medication for someone else?

On Behalf of | Jan 31, 2023 | Drug Crimes

Maybe you have your neighbor’s pain relief medication in your medicine cabinet. They worry that their child may have stolen some of their pills, so they wanted to get the remainder of their prescription out of their house for safekeeping. Perhaps your brother, who often travels for work, asked you to hold on to his extra medication in case he forgets his prescription somewhere when a pharmacy is not open.

There are truly infinite situations that might lead to someone asking you to store their medication for a truly innocent reason. When there is a clear explanation, you might assume that the police will not enforce the law strictly. Some people end up arrested when all they wanted to do was help someone else.

Could you still face criminal prosecution for the possession of someone else’s prescription medication?

Ohio drug laws are very clear about possession

Typically, only individuals with a valid prescription can possess, consume or transport medication. Licensed medical professionals can also transport and dispense medication. In a handful of situations, an individual can lawfully possess someone else’s medication.

Those who serve as a parent or guardian for someone who is underage or who lacks the capacity to handle their own affairs can possess and transport medication on behalf of the individual in their care. Family members can also potentially pick up prescription medication for someone from the pharmacy.

However, to transport medication or temporarily store it on behalf of someone else, usually needs to remain in the unopened packaging provided by the pharmacy. Once someone opens a prescription vial, anyone else who handles their medication could end up at risk of arrest.

It is possible to fight controlled substances charges

Some people find themselves in a situation where their actions may have technically violated the law, but they had no intention to break the law. Those arrested for the possession of someone else’s medication may potentially have text message records or other personal documentation that can help them develop a criminal defense strategy.

The circumstances leading to your arrest and the nature of the substance involved will have an influence on the best way to defend yourself when accused of a drug offense. Understanding how innocent behaviors might lead to Ohio drug charges can help those accused of violating controlled substance laws.