Can I Get A DUI For Driving After Taking Prescription Medication?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is commonly associated with alcohol consumption, but it’s important to recognize that driving after taking certain prescription medications can also result in a DUI charge. Many individuals are unaware that even legally prescribed medications can impair their ability to drive, leading to legal consequences similar to those for alcohol-related DUIs.

This article explores the legal implications of driving after taking prescription medication, how these substances can affect your driving ability, and what defenses might be available if you are charged with a DUI. We will break down the relevant legal terminology and provide practical guidance to help you understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to prescription medications and driving.

Legal Implications of Driving After Taking Prescription Medication

Prescription medications, while beneficial for treating various medical conditions, can impair your ability to drive safely. In many jurisdictions, driving under the influence of any substance, including prescription drugs, can lead to a DUI charge.

·       DUI Laws and Prescription Medications:
DUI laws are designed to prevent impaired driving and ensure public safety. Impairment refers to any reduction in a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, which can be caused by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. Most states have per se DUI laws, which mean that if you are found to have a certain level of a controlled substance in your system, you can be automatically charged with a DUI, regardless of whether your driving was actually impaired. Prescription medications fall under this category if they are found to impair your driving ability.

·       Common Prescription Medications That Can Lead to a DUI:
Several commonly prescribed medications can impair your driving ability, leading to a potential DUI charge. These include:

• Opioids: Medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, which are prescribed for pain relief, can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reaction times.

• Benzodiazepines: Medications such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, which are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, can cause drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination.

• Sleep Aids: Drugs like Ambien and Lunesta, prescribed for insomnia, can lead to drowsiness and impaired motor skills, even hours after taking them.

• Antidepressants and Antipsychotics: Certain medications used to treat depression and other mental health conditions can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired concentration.

It’s important to understand that even if you are taking these medications legally and as prescribed, you can still be charged with a DUI if they impair your ability to drive.

·       Consequences of a DUI for Prescription Medication:
The consequences of a DUI conviction for driving under the influence of prescription medication can be severe. They often include:

• Fines: Financial penalties can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the jurisdiction and whether it’s a first or subsequent offense.

• License Suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended, making it difficult to get to work, appointments, or fulfill daily responsibilities.

• Criminal Record: A DUI conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which can impact your employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.

• Incarceration: In some cases, especially for repeat offenders, a DUI conviction can result in jail time.

These consequences can have a lasting impact on your life, making it essential to understand the risks of driving after taking prescription medication.

Defenses Against DUI Charges Involving Prescription Medication

If you are charged with a DUI for driving after taking prescription medication, there are several defenses that you may be able to use. It’s crucial to understand these options to protect your rights and possibly avoid a conviction.

·       Lack of Impairment:
One potential defense is to argue that, despite having the medication in your system, you were not actually impaired at the time of driving. Impairment is a key element of a DUI charge, and without evidence of impairment, the prosecution may have difficulty proving their case. This defense might involve presenting evidence that your driving behavior was not consistent with impairment, such as testimony from witnesses, dashcam footage, or a lack of physical evidence (e.g., no erratic driving, no accidents).

·       Prescription Defense:
Another possible defense is known as the prescription defense, where you argue that you were taking the medication as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. This defense can be effective if the medication was taken according to the prescribed dosage and instructions, and there were no warnings against operating a vehicle while on the medication. However, this defense may be limited if the medication label explicitly warns against driving or if there is clear evidence of impairment.

·       Challenge to the Traffic Stop or Testing Procedures:
Another common defense in DUI cases involves challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the accuracy of the testing procedures. If the police did not have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, or if they did not follow proper procedures in administering field sobriety tests or chemical tests (e.g., blood, urine), the evidence obtained during the stop might be inadmissible in court. This could weaken the prosecution’s case and lead to a dismissal of the charges.

How Prescription Medications Can Impair Driving

Understanding how prescription medications can impair your driving ability is crucial for preventing DUI charges. Even medications that are legally prescribed can have side effects that make it dangerous to drive.

·       Drowsiness and Fatigue:
Many prescription medications, particularly opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids, can cause significant drowsiness and fatigue. These side effects can slow your reaction times, impair your ability to make quick decisions, and increase the likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel. Drowsiness is a leading cause of car accidents, and driving under the influence of medications that induce drowsiness can be just as dangerous as driving after consuming alcohol.

·       Dizziness and Confusion:
Some medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion, making it difficult to concentrate on the road and maintain control of your vehicle. Dizziness can affect your ability to judge distances, navigate turns, and respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Confusion can lead to poor decision-making, such as misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic or failing to notice traffic signals, all of which can result in accidents.

·       Impaired Coordination and Motor Skills:
Certain medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, can impair your coordination and motor skills. This can make it difficult to perform essential driving tasks, such as steering, braking, and accelerating. Impaired coordination increases the risk of veering into other lanes, failing to brake in time, or losing control of the vehicle, all of which can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Conclusion

Driving after taking prescription medication can have serious legal consequences, including the potential for a DUI charge. It’s important to understand how these medications can impair your ability to drive and to be aware of the legal implications of driving under the influence of any substance. By being informed about the risks and knowing your legal defenses, you can make better decisions about when and how to drive while on medication.

If you have questions about DUI charges related to prescription medication or need legal assistance, reach out to our Hotline. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide the guidance and support you need to navigate this complex legal issue.