Calling For An Overdose
RCW 69.50.315 — no possession charge from evidence found by seeking help
In Washington, a person who in good faith seeks medical help for someone's drug-related overdose is not charged or prosecuted for possessing a controlled substance when the evidence was found because they sought help. The person who overdosed is not charged either, when the evidence came from the overdose and the need for help.
The protection covers only possession, and is not grounds for suppressing evidence of other charges.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 69.50.315 — Medical assistance; drug-related overdose; naloxone; prosecution for possession
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.