Have you been prescribed a medication for pain like Ambien, Xanax, or Oxycodone? Many times, after a major surgery like a kidney transplant or smaller procedure like a root canal, your doctor may prescribe one of these addictive drugs. A person can be convicted of a DUI/DWI for taking prescription meds. Every person should know that these medications can cause you to become impaired and unable to operate a vehicle correctly similar to alcohol. Even if an individual is taking a prescription drug under a valid prescription, if you are caught driving impaired the police can charge you with drugged driving. The penalties for crimes like this vary from state to state, but if you are convicted, the penalties will be harsh and severe. Always remember, when you have the right attorney on your side, it’s extremely difficult for the case to be proven against you.
You can be convicted of a DUI even if the drug were considered legal in your jurisdiction, taking more than the legal amount prescribed would be looked at as purposeful overconsumption and can deem one to be under the influence or intoxicated. Even though driving under the influence is a common offense, over the years, law enforcement has been cracking down and focusing on drugged drivers more and more. Many times, people consider a drugged driver to be under the influence of drugs like cocaine, LSD, or speed, but the reality of the situation is that certain types of medications like Ambien and Prozac can cause dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness, and problems with muscle coordination. Because these drugs cause the effects mentioned above, it’s never safe to drive while they are in your bloodstream.
The way a drug is looked at in a DUI case is if the substance is affecting one’s nervous system, brain, or muscles, causing impairment.
Substances that can result in a DUI include:
• Illegal drugs or controlled substances
• Legal drugs with a prescription
• Legal drugs sold over the counter
Whether you’re taking prescription drugs for pain, blood pressure, depression, or any other medical conditions, just make sure you take your medications responsibly and appropriately – like the doctor prescribes. Most of these medications can put you at risk for a DUI if you decide to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Most of the time a person can lose their driver’s license, face jail time and pay fines if they are caught with drugs in their system. Driving under the influence carries harsh penalties and may be as strict as if you tested twice over the legal alcohol consumption limit.
Whenever you’re in need of great representation for that DUI case, we are the team of professional attorneys that will always go above and beyond to meet and exceed all your expectations. Our team of Board Certified lawyers will keep you up to date on every aspect of your case and will fight to get you the best outcome each and every time. Get in touch with us today for a no-obligation consultation.
You may also be interested in Information about Underage DUI
GET TO KNOW US
CALL US NOW
