In many cases when someone overdoses on illegal drugs, they are with other individuals who have also taken those drugs. These people have not overdosed and could call the authorities to seek help. You also find this situation when young people have been drinking before they turn 21 years old. When a friend passes out and needs medical attention, others who have been drinking illegally are the only ones there to call the authorities.
As a result, many people decide that they are not going to call the authorities, and they will not seek help for their friend. They’re worried that the police are simply going to show up and arrest them for illegal drug use or underage drinking. Is this what could happen?
Protection from arrest
In many situations, Florida actually has laws on the books that offer some level of protection from arrest. If you are acting in good faith in trying to help someone else, who may be in mortal danger themselves, then you should not be arrested for this act. You may still have broken the law, but the government wants to incentivize you to seek medical care for those who need it. That’s the basis of this kind of “Good Samaritan” law.
What if you still get arrested? This does happen, sometimes, and it’s very important to understand the intricacies of the law and all the legal defense options that you may have. You don’t want to have your life ruined because you were just trying to help a friend in an emergency situation.