Whether you’re on prescription medication for a chronic condition or taking over-the-counter pills to alleviate a cold, the last thing you expect is to find yourself charged with a DUI. It’s a common misconception that medication doesn’t count toward a DWI charge, so it’s imperative to understand how medication, including prescription drugs, can impact your ability to drive and what to do if you are facing charges. Keep reading to learn more about these matters and discover why it’s in your best interest to work with a New York City DUI lawyer to guide you through these issues.
How Can Prescription Drugs Impact My Ability to Drive?
It’s important to understand that any substance can have a negative impact on your cognitive and physical abilities. Many medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, are often rampant with side effects, ranging from mild to strong. Common medications that can have side effects that impact your ability to drive include, but are not limited to:
- Pain relievers
- Antihistamines
- Muscle relaxants
- Antidepressants
- Sleep aids
It’s also important to keep in mind that there are a number of factors that can impact how a medication impacts you. Age, weight, gender, and prescription dosage. Typical side effects of these medications include drowsiness, impaired coordination, dizziness, increased heart rate, and even aggressive behavior.
Can I Get a DUI if I Have a Prescription?
It’s imperative to understand that even if you legally obtain drugs through a prescription or over the counter, you can still be charged with a DUI if they impact your ability to drive. It’s a common misconception that having a valid prescription will prevent you from facing charges, which is far from the truth. This is because you are impaired by a substance, regardless of whether or not it is legal. As such, if you are caught, you can be charged with a Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (DWAI-Drugs) offense.
If you are starting a new medication, it’s in your best interest to refrain from operating a vehicle until you understand the impact the medication has on you.
In the event you are pulled over while taking prescription medication, it’s imperative to understand how to respond in these instances. If the officer asks you any questions, it’s important to invoke your right to remain silent. Unfortunately, many people assume that honesty is always the best policy, without realizing they are incriminating themselves. As such, you should inform the officer you are invoking your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.
When you are arrested, it’s imperative to understand the importance of connecting with an experienced attorney. DUI charges involving drugs can be intense, which is why seeking legal representation is critical in these matters. At the Law Office of Jason A. Dennis, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to represent you when you need help. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
