People generally know that certain drugs are illegal to use or possess because the state has made them fully illegal. They know that if police officers find methamphetamine or heroin in their possession, they could very likely face serious criminal charges.
However, they also know that they can legally possess and use prescription medication. People often take for granted the idea that they can do whatever they want with prescription medication. Some people are legitimately surprised when police officers arrest them and the state pursues charges related to prescription medication.
What scenarios might lead to prosecution because of prescription medication in Iowa?
Illegal trade or acquisition of medication
Many prescription medication charges specifically relate to how someone obtains medication or what they do with medication that they no longer need. Some people give away or sell the remainder of a prescription when they finish a course of treatment. Others do not receive additional refills from their doctor or cannot afford to pick medication up from the pharmacy due to a lack of insurance. These people may look to acquire medication from others, such as acquaintances or neighbors. The state may prostitute anyone who obtains medication from someone other than a licensed professional, possesses prescription medication without a prescription or distributes their leftover medication to others.
Driving after taking medication
A variety of different medications can affect someone’s ability to drive safely. If Iowa police officers see someone driving in a dangerous manner, they cannot ignore that just because someone has a valid prescription. A variety of medications can affect someone’s cognitive ability or physical control of a vehicle. People do not need to cause a crash or have illegal prescription medication to face allegations of drugged driving. Even those with a valid prescription that they have taken for years could face criminal charges if police officers determine that they used mind-altering medication before getting behind the wheel.
Those who understand how prescription medication concerns can cross the line legally may have an easier time avoiding potentially criminal mistakes and can also better respond to any allegations that they may have violated Iowa drug laws. Learning more about the rules controlling prescription medication and prohibiting certain conduct may benefit those who require treatment with certain medications.
