When someone overdoses on drugs or alcohol while at a party and needs immediate medical attention, many partygoers are afraid to call for help because they do not want to get in trouble with the police. Many alcohol and drug deaths could have been avoided if someone had called 9-1-1 as soon as the overdose was discovered. To prevent the unnecessary loss of life, the state of Colorado has implemented liability protections for the good Samaritans who step in to save someone else.
Under Colorado Revised Statute 18-1-711, anyone who reports an emergency relating to a drug or alcohol overdose, remains at the scene until help arrives, and identifies themselves and cooperates with law enforcement or medical care providers, may be immune from arrest and prosecution for their own alcohol and/or drug use or possession.
Specifically, good Samaritans who call for help will not be arrested or charged for unlawful possession of a controlled substance or underage possession or consumption of alcohol, marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia.
The Good Samaritan Act in Colorado offers legal protection for those trying to do the right thing. If you sought emergency aid for someone overdosing on drugs or alcohol and were arrested in the process, a criminal defense attorney in your area can help get your charges dismissed.