Under the United States Controlled Substances Act, prescription medicines are also outlined in addition to the illegal substances like heroin or cocaine that often come to mind.
If someone is caught in possession of, or under the influence of a prescription drug – and without a prescription, an arrest is likely to be made. This is due to the high levels of abuse, as well as the factor of impairment while driving.
Examples of these prescription medicines include:
Phencyclidine and Ketamine, which are both used as an anesthesia in medical practice. Painkillers such as codeine, oxycontin, methamphetamine, hydrocodone are also utilized for their analgesic qualities. These medicines, though used legally for medical treatments, are also popularly as street, club or date rape drugs.
In the event of an illegal possession of drugs arrest is made in Rhode Island, the prosecution will look for evidence regarding the quantity of medicine found, the absence of a prescription, lack of medical grounds to use the drug, among other elements of the crime.
In other instances, some of these medicines – even with prescriptions are illegal for use while driving. If found under the influence, there’s a chance of being arrested for DUI.
Some defenses include not being aware of the current laws in Rhode Island regarding driving while taking medicines for illness. Another term for driving under the influence of drugs is drugged driving. The penalties are oftentimes the same as Rhode Island DUI.
Drug possession is a very serious crime. These crimes also fall under prescription fraud laws, which a criminal defense attorney can also help with defending. If you’ve been arrested or charged with DUI, drug possession, prescription fraud, or some other related crime as a patient or physician, contact the Law Offices of John R. Grasso at 401-272-4001.