Many people have drugs prescribed to them to treat particular illnesses or conditions including depression, high blood pressure, pulmonary issues, arthritis and others. These drugs are often narcotics and considered controlled substances under state and federal laws.
You are allowed to possess narcotics or certain controlled substances if you have a prescription. Prescriptions are personal, meaning that if you possess the medication or drug but the prescription is for a different person, then you are illegally possessing the drug.
In Florida, it is illegal to possess or to share someone else’s prescription medication. If the drug you possess without a prescription is a controlled substance, such as Adderall, Oxycontin, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), or Percocet, it is a third degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
For non-narcotic prescriptions, possession without a prescription is a second degree misdemeanor. These include such drugs as headache or stomach medication.
Giving a prescribed drug to someone, even if no funds or other consideration is given in return, is a second degree felony. Violators face up to 15 years incarceration.
For more information on prescription drug crimes or how to defend these crimes, please contact our drug crime attorneys today.
