In Jail From Prescription Drugs
Did you know that if you are in possession of an unauthorized prescription drug you can be charged with “possessing an illegal substance”? Yes, it’s true. If you are driving erratically and you are pulled over for suspicion of “driving under the influence” and drugs are discovered present in your system, and you have no prescription to prove that the drugs were legally obtained, YOU ARE GOING TO JAIL.
It’s plain and simple. You can be charged with a “high-end” misdemeanor or even a “felony” for having illegally obtained prescription drugs in your system, in your possession or around you.
In Georgia, a “Felony” is most commonly defined as “a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than twelve months”. It can also mean “a crime” punishable by death or by life in prison.
Possession of prescription drugs can land you in jail
Note: It is a “felony” to willingly obtain or steal prescription drugs. Simply because they are prescribed by a doctor does not necessarily mean they are legal to have in your possession or that they are safe for you to take for a pain of any discomfort or uncomfortable situation you may be facing.
Legal Side Effects
In addition to prison there other “side effects” to illegally possessing or abusing prescription drugs. Besides going to jail, you could also face some lengthy probation, hefty fines and restitution. Other punishments include community service, you could lose your right to vote during the term of your sentence, and you could lose your right to own a firearm “for life”.
If you are a student who is abusing prescription drugs and/or if you ever plan to further your education think again. You can lose your State and Federal Financial Aid and you can and will be denied admission or expelled from State Colleges and Universities for up to a year. Some schools will deny you admission for life (e.g. Law School). You can lose your driver’s license or the opportunity to get a driver’s license if you haven’t gotten one yet. You can also lose your job or the opportunity to obtain certain jobs.
These are just a few of the “side effects” of prescription drug abuse and illegal possession of prescription drugs. Don’t be a fool.
“If you know anyone who is abusing prescription drugs, get them help”. Says Mary Rieser the founder of Narconon of Georgia. “You wouldn’t let someone drive without a seatbelt. Many people have died from abusing prescription drugs. They will deny a problem; say they are prescribed, that they are medicine. And used properly, medicines are beneficial. But not when abused. Teach your children about prescription drug abuse.”
Article by Michael Bonds, Criminal Justice Senior at Bauder College in Atlanta Georgia
