If fear of arrest stops you from calling 911 during a drug overdose in Greensboro, NC, know your protections under North Carolina’s Good Samaritan Law. This vital statute shields good-faith helpers from certain charges, potentially saving lives.

At Schlosser & Pritchett, we guide clients through overdose-related legal challenges in Guilford County. Facing charges? Our experienced Greensboro criminal defense lawyers can protect your rights, contact us today.

What Is North Carolina’s Good Samaritan Law?

Enacted as NC General Statute § 90-96.2, this law encourages emergency calls during drug overdoses by granting limited immunity from prosecution for qualifying drug offenses. It addresses the public health crisis of overdose deaths, where hesitation due to legal fears is common. A “drug-related overdose” includes acute conditions like coma or severe illness from controlled substances that a reasonable person would see as needing immediate medical help.

In Greensboro and across Guilford County, the law has empowered quick action, reducing barriers to life-saving intervention. Immunity applies only if you act in good faith- not during a warrant execution or lawful search – and meet strict conditions.

Who Qualifies for Immunity Under NC’s Overdose Law?

Immunity targets those directly involved in seeking and supporting emergency aid. Key qualifiers include:

• The overdose victim: Protected if the caller meets conditions (below).
• The person calling 911 or seeking medical help: Must reasonably believe they’re the first caller, act in good faith, and have evidence discovered solely from the call.
• Others at the scene: Those who stay until help arrives and cooperate with responders (tied to the caller’s actions).
• Cooperating individuals: Anyone assisting responders in good faith.

“Good faith” means your call isn’t made during a warrant execution or lawful search. For example, if you call 911 for a friend overdosing at a Greensboro apartment and stay to help paramedics, you’re likely protected. Bystanders qualify only if supporting the qualified caller’s efforts. Failing to meet these conditions – like leaving the scene- can void immunity, so understanding the rules is vital.

What Offenses Does the Good Samaritan Law Cover in NC?

The law offers targeted immunity for low-level offenses tied to the overdose scene, but it’s not a blanket shield. Covered:

• Misdemeanor possession of controlled substances (including <1 gram of heroin or cocaine, treated as misdemeanor).
• Possession or use of drug paraphernalia.
• Underage possession or consumption of alcohol.

Not covered:

• Drug trafficking, sale, or distribution.
• Drug manufacturing or large-quantity possession (>1g felonies).
• Outstanding warrants or unrelated crimes uncovered during the response.

Immunity applies only if evidence comes directly from the emergency call. For instance, if police find trafficking-level drugs during an overdose response in Greensboro, those charges stick. This narrow scope means you need a lawyer to ensure proper application, especially if officers overreach.

When to Contact a Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyer

Even with Good Samaritan protections, legal trouble can arise. Officers may misapply the law, charging you for paraphernalia despite your 911 call. Prosecutors might pursue non-covered offenses, like distribution, if evidence suggests intent to sell. In our Greensboro cases, we’ve seen clients face charges that should’ve been dismissed under § 90-96.2. A skilled Greensboro criminal defense attorney can:

• Verify your eligibility for immunity (confirming good-faith compliance).
• Challenge improper charges, citing the statute’s protections.
• Build a defense for non-covered or unrelated charges.

Early intervention is important. Without counsel, you risk prosecutors sidestepping the law’s intent.

Practical Steps in an Overdose Emergency

When someone is experiencing a drug overdose, every second counts. The following practical steps outline exactly what you should do if you witness or are present for an overdose emergency in Greensboro or anywhere in Guilford County.

• Call 911 Immediately: Prompt medical care saves lives. Clearly state “overdose” and your location.
• Stay Calm and Stay on Scene: Do not leave until EMTs arrive. Exiting prematurely can jeopardize immunity.
• Provide Accurate Information: Answer questions truthfully about substances used, victim’s symptoms, and your observations.
• Cooperate with Responders: Follow EMS and law enforcement instructions, polite, cooperative behavior strengthens your legal position.
• Contact an Attorney: If any charges arise, call Schlosser & Pritchett immediately to protect your immunity and defense rights.

Call a Greensboro, NC Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

At Schlosser & Pritchett, we understand how the Good Samaritan Law works in Greensboro and throughout North Carolina. If you called for help during an overdose emergency and are now facing criminal charges, we can help protect your rights. Don’t navigate this situation alone. Our experienced Greensboro criminal defense attorneys are ready to review your case and fight for the immunity you deserve. Call us today at (336) 292-4076 or contact us online for a consultation.