Calling For An Overdose
NRS 453C.150 — no arrest or charge for possession, paraphernalia, a restraining order or parole terms found by seeking help
Seeking help, in good faith. A person who in good faith seeks medical help for someone in a drug or alcohol overdose or other medical emergency, or for themselves, and the person helped, may not be arrested, charged, prosecuted or convicted, have property forfeited, or be otherwise penalized when the evidence came from seeking that help, for:
- Drug paraphernalia.
- Possession, unless for sale or for the trafficking amounts the section names.
- Use of a controlled substance, or a similar local ordinance.
- Violating a restraining order.
- Violating a condition of parole or probation.
Seeking help means reporting the emergency to police, 911, poison control, a medical facility or emergency medical services; helping someone else report it; caring for the person while help is on the way; or taking the person to a medical facility and notifying the authorities. For a drug offense the section does not cover, a court considers it in mitigation before sentencing.
The section does not stop action under the child abuse and neglect law. Whether a particular call qualifies is a question for a court and a licensed Nevada attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- NRS 453C.150 — Immunity from certain offenses or mitigation of penalty for certain offenses if medical assistance is sought for overdose
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Nevada attorney.