Walk It Through: The Overdose at the Party
A friend who will not wake, a call for help, a syringe in a pocket, and the question of charges.
At a party, a friend collapses and will not wake up. Others in the room have drugs on them.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A medical emergency at a private party. Selling drugs, a search warrant already being served, and charges other than possession are not covered by the protection.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class A misdemeanorThe higher class of misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
- Drug paraphernaliaEquipment used or intended for growing, making, storing, concealing, injecting, ingesting or inhaling a controlled substance unlawfully.
- Good faithSeeking medical help for an overdose genuinely, which protects the caller and the person overdosing from possession and paraphernalia charges from evidence found because of it.