Did New Jersey authorities arrest you because you had prescription drugs on your person and they were not in the original container? The possession of certain prescription drugs that are not in the originally-labeled bottle could result in a New Jersey resident getting in trouble with the law.
Depending on whether these drugs were actually prescribed to you by your doctor, this offense could result in serious consequences. This article will look closely at the law as it applies to the packaging of prescription drugs.
What does the law say about prescription drug containers?
According to New Jersey law, when you carry drugs on your person, they must be carried inside the initial container in which the pharmacy dispensed them. The only exception to this rule is that individuals can have up to 10 days worth of the drug if the person can give police either:
- The name and contact information for the medical practitioner that prescribed the medicine; or
- The name and contact information for the pharmacist that dispensed the substance.
A violation of the above rules constitutes a disorderly person offense under New Jersey law. This kind of offense could land you in serious trouble if you’re unable to defend yourself against the charges and a conviction occurs.
Defending yourself against prescription drug possession charges
In many cases, defending yourself against a prescription drug possession charge is as simple as giving law enforcement officials the necessary proof to show that a qualified medical service provider prescribed you the medication. If you had the legal right to possess the medicine for your health, then you will not be convicted of a drug possession crime and you will not face punishment.
Some of the most common prescription drugs that New Jersey residents get in trouble for possessing include Adderall, Xanax and Oxycontin. If you’ve been accused of unlawfully possessing prescription drugs, you may want to start organizing your criminal defense as soon as possible.
