More people than ever before in the United States are using prescription medicines. With a prescription from their doctor or another healthcare professional, the majority of people are doing so legally. But many Californians might not be aware that even if they have a legitimate, legal prescription for their medication, they could still face criminal penalties if they are observed driving while under the influence of drugs.
Keep reading to learn why from a drug defense lawyer in Irvine CA. Then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to request a free legal consultation if you are facing charges related to prescription drug use and/or driving under the influence of drugs.
Understanding DUID
DUID, often known as driving under the influence of drugs, is illegal in California. It applies to any drug that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle, including illicit substances like cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as over-the-counter medicines like Benadryl and cough syrup. It also includes prescription drugs such as opioids like Codeine, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone, sedatives like Xanax and Ativan, sleep aids like Lunesta, Sonata, and Ambien, muscle relaxants, and even stimulants like Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin.
While many prescription drugs, such as stimulant drugs, may not have an impact on driving on their own, when combined with alcohol, they may create a hazardous situation because they may obscure the depressant effects of alcohol, causing a person to consume far more than they otherwise would and increasing the risk of an alcohol-related DUI.
Why a prescription isn’t a good defense against a drug-related DUI charge
A prosecutor must demonstrate three things in order to establish that someone engaged in drugged driving:
You operated a vehicle, you were under the influence of drugs (and/or alcohol), and the drugs impaired your physical or mental capacities to the point where you are unable to operate a vehicle with the same degree of caution as a sober person would.
Notably, the prosecution need not establish that the drugs or medications that affected your driving were unlawful. He or she just needs to demonstrate that these substances prevented you from driving as cautiously as an ordinary sober person would. This means that even if you have a prescription for your medication and were taking it as prescribed, you might still be charged with a drug DUI if you were impaired while driving, as a drug defense lawyer in Irvine CA can explain.
You do have options
So what are your options if you require prescription medication for a medical condition? The first thing you should do is discuss the potential adverse effects of the medication with your doctor and/or pharmacist. A warning label about the potential risk of driving while taking the drug is frequently printed immediately on the bottle of the medication. Even if the medication does not have this warning, you should still avoid driving after taking it until you know how it affects you.
It is conceivable that your body will metabolize the medication differently from that of others, making it unsafe for you to drive after taking it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s okay to drink alcohol while taking the prescription or if there are any drug interactions. Never drink or use other drugs while taking medicine if it could result in impaired driving. Only drive once you are certain that it will be safe to do so.
You need a knowledgeable drug defense lawyer in Irvine CA if you have been accused of driving under the influence of drugs. Call or e-mail Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com right now. Our staff of lawyers is experienced in handling DUI matters, and we’ll do everything in our power to defend your rights.
