Many people assume DUI charges only apply when alcohol or illegal drugs are involved, but prescription medications can also result in impaired driving allegations. Even if the medicine is legally prescribed by your doctor, you could still face charges if law enforcement believes it affected your ability to operate a vehicle safely. If you find yourself in this situation, working with a DUI defense attorney can help you understand your rights and how to respond.
Prescription Does Not Equal Permission
Having a valid prescription does not automatically protect you from DUI charges. The law focuses on whether the drug affects your ability to drive, not whether it was legally obtained.
All of this means that even if you followed your doctor’s instructions, you could still be accused of driving under the influence. So, it’s extra important to know the possible side effects of your medication and avoid driving if you feel impaired.
How Prescription Drugs Affect Driving
Certain medications can cause drowsiness, delayed reaction times, blurred vision, or confusion. These side effects can make it dangerous to drive, even when you take the medication as prescribed.
Drugs for pain management, anxiety, depression, or sleep are among the most common that raise concerns in DUI cases. Officers may look for signs of impairment during a traffic stop, and if they believe your ability to drive is compromised, you could face arrest.
Field Sobriety And Chemical Testing
When law enforcement suspects drug impairment, they may ask you to perform field sobriety tests. These are physical and coordination-based exercises used to measure balance, focus, and response.
In addition, blood or urine tests are often ordered to check for prescription drugs in your system. Unlike alcohol, where there are clear legal limits, prescription drug impairment is less straightforward. This often leaves room for interpretation and can make defending these cases more complex.
Potential Consequences Of A Prescription Drug DUI
The penalties for a DUI based on prescription drugs are similar to those for alcohol-related charges. You could face fines, license suspension, probation, or even jail time depending on the circumstances. A conviction may also affect employment opportunities, insurance costs, and your personal reputation. These outcomes make it important to take any charge seriously and seek guidance from a criminal defense lawyer who understands how to handle these cases.
Steps You Can Take To Protect Yourself
If you are prescribed medication, take the time to talk with your doctor about how it may affect your ability to drive. Do not mix prescriptions with alcohol or other substances, and avoid getting behind the wheel if you feel any side effects that could impair your judgment or reaction time. If you are stopped by police and questioned about your medication, remember that you still have legal rights. Speaking with an attorney early can help you build a stronger defense.
Don’t Put Your Future At Risk
DUI charges involving prescription drugs can catch people off guard, but the law treats them seriously. Officers and courts focus on whether your ability to drive was impaired, not whether your prescription was valid.
Attorneys like our colleagues at Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC can attest to how often prescription medications become an issue in these cases. If you’re currently facing charges, it’s important to take them seriously and seek the right support to protect your future.