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Emergency Call

Don’t Let Fear of Arrest Prevent You from Saving a Life

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If you or someone you love is in need of medical attention as the result of the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, call 911! The Florida legislature has precluded you or your loved one from being charged with a crime of possession of drugs, if they appear after being called to assist medically.
Section 893.21 of the Florida statutes provides protection to anyone from being prosecuted for possession if the police observe these items in the course of assisting someone who needs medical attention. The statute protects not only the person who needs medical help, but also the person who is making the call. So make the call!

Florida passed the “911 Good Samaritan Act” in October 2012 to increase access to emergency medical care for drug overdose – in response to the increasing number of deaths due to drug overdose in Florida.

If you overdosed and were later charged a violation of Florida Statute 893 (the most common being possession of a controlled substance or possession of opiate pills), you may be immune from prosecution. You’ll want to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney to better understand your rights.

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