Virginia has strict regulations and penalties regarding illegal drug use. This includes prescription medicine abuse.
According to Virginia Rules, almost two million teens between the ages of 12 and 17 unlawfully use prescription pills. Adults also abuse them. Depending on the amount found in your possession, you may be subject to charges of distribution and possession if caught with illegal prescription medicine. Even if you only carry your prescribed medicines, you may worry that you may become involved in a conflict with the police if they find your pills during a routine check. Taking certain steps may help avoid this.
Keep evidence with you
If you must carry your medicine with you someplace, ensure you also have proof that it is your prescribed medicine. This might be the prescription, the bag it came in or the bottle. While there is no law mandating you must keep your medicine in the original bottle, doing so may help prevent a misunderstanding. If you need to carry it in a pill organizer, having some form of evidence that it is your prescription helps.
Avoid carrying more than necessary
Even if you have proof that the medicine is your prescription, police may question why you have so much with you if you have more than one day’s worth. Officers may try to accuse you of intending to sell pills. Unless absolutely necessary, try not to carry any or to carry the minimal amount of medicine you need outside of the house.
Remember your rights
You have the right to remain silent. If officers begin asking invasive questions, exercise it. Anything you say may count against you later if you end up in court.
It is not illegal to have your prescribed medicine with you. However, precautions may help you avoid misunderstandings with law enforcement.