false according to a recent Fairfax County Police Department presentation at a local McLean High School.  The School Resource Officer told attendees that:

1. If your passengers are passing a joint around in your car, you as the driver can be charged with “constructive possession,” even if you do not partake in the smoking of the marijuana.

2. Even if you are under a doctor’s orders to take a prescription medication , if you have the wrong amount or dosages on your person on school grounds, you could potentially be in trouble.  For example, if your family has prescribed one Vicoden in the morning and one in the evening, having several on you at school could be a problem.

3. Your BODY counts for transporting alcohol.  If they have probable cause due to bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, etc., then the police do not need cans or bottles, in the car to charge you with driving while intoxicated.

4. Giving a prescription drug like Aderol to a friend to help her study is, in reality, distributing a Schedule 2 drug.  Even one pill is a felony. This also includes pain killers such as Vicoden and Oxycontin.

5. See Number 1, above.

6. See Number 4, above.

Be smart, be safe and do not be afraid to say “no.”  “Not in my car.” “Not in my house.” “Not at my school.”  If you or someone you know or care for has been injured as the result of an underage driver and drugs, alcohol and prescription medication misuse, e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555) at once.