Can I Be Charged With DUI After Legally Taking Prescription Drugs?

Posted on December 2, 2020 in Drug DUI,DUI

When you hear the term “DUI,” you probably think of someone who was driving drunk. However, “DUI” stands for “driving under the influence.” The term is broad enough to include driving under the influence of any substance, legal or illegal.

The law does not expressly forbid you from driving while you’re taking a legal prescription. However, the law does forbid you from driving under the influence. If the police suspect you’re impaired for any reason, they may place you under arrest.

Were You Safe to Drive?

If you’ve been charged with a prescription drug DUI, the prosecution will try to prove that the medication you were taking made you unsafe or less safe to drive. The officer who pulled you over is usually the one who makes this determination. An officer may suspect that you are impaired if:

• You were weaving
• You were suddenly accelerating
• You were suddenly braking
• You were slow to respond to a traffic signal
• You were driving in a reckless manner

If you show any signs of impairment behind the wheel, it’s probably enough for the officer to make an initial traffic stop and arrest.

Alcohol Can Complicate The Situation

These cases can become more complicated if you’ve consumed any amount of alcohol while taking your prescription medication. Sometimes, alcohol can magnify the effects of medication. Even consuming half of a beer could result in DUI charges.

Defending Against Prescription DUI Charges

Prescription DUI cases are different from your typical drunk driving case because there’s no set legal limit for the amount of prescription drugs you can have in your bloodstream. These cases often turn on the observations of the arresting officer. It’s important for you to discuss your possible defense options with a skilled Scottsdale DUI lawyer.