Calling for Help with an Overdose
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-279 — no possession charge from evidence found because someone called in good faith
The drug possession offense does not apply to a person who in good faith seeks medical help for someone they reasonably believe is overdosing, to the person overdosing when another seeks help for them, or to a person who seeks help for their own overdose, where the evidence of possession was obtained because help was sought.
Who handles this in Connecticut: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Connecticut directory.
- The same protection covers the cannabis possession penalties.
- Good faith does not include seeking help while an arrest warrant or search warrant is being executed or during a lawful search.
A minor who has alcohol is not prosecuted for it when the police learned of it only because the minor placed a 9-1-1 call for someone in need of immediate medical help, was the first to call, gave their full name and the information asked for, and stayed at the scene until the officers arrived.
Sources for this section (3)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-279 — (Formerly Sec. 19-481). Penalty for illegal possession of a controlled substance other than cannabis. Alternative sentences. Immunity
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-279a — Limits for legal possession of cannabis. Penalty for illegal possession. Calculation of amount and equivalencies. Immunity
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 30-89 — Purchasing liquor or making false statement to procure liquor by person forbidden to purchase prohibited. Possessing liquor by minor on public street or highway or other public or private location prohibited; exceptions; when immune from prosecution
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Connecticut attorney.