Calling for an Overdose
R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28.9-4 — the caller and the person in trouble are not charged with possession found because of the call
The caller is protected. A person who seeks medical help in good faith for someone in a drug or alcohol overdose or emergency is not charged or prosecuted for possessing a controlled substance or paraphernalia, or operating a drug involved premises, when the evidence was found because of seeking help.
The person having the overdose is protected the same way, and also from an underage possession or transportation of alcohol charge.
Giving first aid or other help to someone overdosing may be a mitigating factor in a prosecution under the controlled substances act.
The protection covers possession, not selling or other crimes. A particular situation is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28.9-4 — Emergency overdose care; Immunity from legal repercussions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.