• Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
  • Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Free Consultation – Se Habla Español
CALL 24/7 – 570-846-2819
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
  • Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Named A Top 100 Trial Lawyer
By The National Trial Lawyers
  1. Home
  2.  — 
  3. Drug Crimes
  4.  — 
  5. What is the drug overdose immunity law in Pennsylvania?

What is the drug overdose immunity law in Pennsylvania?

On Behalf of Thompson Law | Jun 22, 2023 | Drug Crimes

Drug laws exist because society wants to decrease the harm from using narcotics. The intent behind punishment is not to enact retribution. It is to discourage substance-takers from engaging in destructive activity.

Pennsylvania has a rule that prevents prosecution in cases where someone is suffering an overdose. Users may thus seek medical services without fear of getting into trouble. Removing this concern undoubtedly saves lives.

What are the requirements for overdose immunity?

A drug user only has protection against charges under certain conditions. One scenario is when police become aware of the drug-taking offense solely due to the overdosing patient seeking help. Someone showing up at a police station or healthcare facility, for instance, would have automatic protection. The person could also dial 911 and not worry.

The other situation is if a person presently using drugs reports someone else overdosing. Addicts often take drugs together. Thus, a drug user may be the only one present to take action when signs of an overdose emerge. The reporting individual must remain on-site with the patient. The caller must also cooperate with arriving responders to be eligible for protection.

When can prosecution happen anyway?

In some instances, there is a question about the applicability of immunity. Some district attorneys will prosecute if even minor deviations from the law occur. Other prosecutors might argue against there being an imminent life-threatening emergency.

Legal advice is necessary for people facing an arrest stemming from actions that should have protection. Knowledge of the law makes it easier to argue against conviction.

Recent Posts

  • Is it a felony to misuse prescription drugs in Pennsylvania?
  • Your rights and qualifications in Veterans Court
  • What happens to first-time DUI offenders in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
  • 3 collateral consequences of pleading guilty to domestic violence
  • Do DUI arrests increase during warmer weather?

Categories

  • Assault
  • Criminal Defense
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • DUI
  • Family Law
  • Homicide
  • Personal Injury
  • Theft Crimes
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Veterans Court Program

Archives

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

Thompson Law provides the one-on-one attention your case deserves.

Request Your Free Consultation Now – Available 24/7

Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm

Contact Us

Telephone

570-846-2819

Fax

570-587-3847

Address

604 North State St
Suite 1
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Clarks Summit Office

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

© 2025 Thompson Law • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

Review The Firm
Review The Firm

© 2025 Thompson Law • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

 570-846-2819
 Email