If you're asking if it's legal, have the shop recover the refrigerant and then take it home. Replace the parts that need replacing, then take it back to them for evacuation and charging. This would be totally legal.

That said, if you do this you need to understand that the filter drier must be installed and sealed last thing and evacuate ASAP! This is because as soon as it is unsealed it beguns soaking moisture. The faster you evacuate after drier replacement, the less moisture will be soaked into the drier.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for your response.
So, since the system has leaked enough where the compressor won't turn on because of a lack of refrigerant, is it not possible it's empty? I certainly don't want to ruin anything, especially new parts. I do a lot of homework before tackling any DIY jobs. The changing of the parts looks to be pretty straightforward. However, your statement about the drier absorbing moisture is the sort of information I'm looking for in order not to ruin anything.