Using, Buying or Selling a Prescription Drug like Codeine may be a Crime in California
That’s right. California drug crimes are not exclusive to using, buying or selling illegal “street” drugs. Engaging in any of these activities with certain prescription drugs will also subject you to criminal prosecution. And even though it is the most prescribed drug in the world, California law prohibits a variety of codeine-related drug offenses.
Under California law, if you possess or use codeine in strict accordance with a valid prescription issued by one licensed doctor (as opposed to having more than one prescription that you illegally obtained from multiple doctors without each other’s knowledge), you will probably not face drug charges in connection with your possession and/or use of codeine.
However, if you possess or use more than the prescribed amount, you could face California charges for illegal possession of codeine, possession of codeine for sale and/or being under the influence of codeine. And if you sell, transport or give away codeine to another person, you could face more serious charges for violating California’s law against selling or transporting the drug.
Driving under the influence of codeine is also a crime in California. With respect to this offense, it doesn’t matter whether your use is consistent with a valid prescription or not. If the codeine has affected your ability to drive a car in the same manner as a sober person, you could face charges for DUI.
If you have been arrested for any California codeine-related offense, you should immediately speak with an experienced California drug crimes defense attorney.
