Many people do not realize that driving while under the influence of certain medications can result in arrest and conviction for DUI. And it does not matter that the prescription drug was legally prescribed by a doctor and taken in a lawful manner. Do not take your innocence for granted in these situations.
If you have been charged with drugged driving, contact an Orlando DUI attorney at TK Law so that we can ensure you are treated fairly and start working on your defense.
Speak with an experienced Florida attorney at our firm today.
Call 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
What Type of Prescribed Drugs Can Impair Driving?
Drug-related DUI frequently include Narcotic Analgesics (painkillers) as well as Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants which are prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and convulsions. Prescription sleeping pills can also severely impair a person’s ability to drive. The following are some prescription drugs that can lead to DUI:
- Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet (hydrocodone)
- Percocet, Oxycontin (oxycodone)
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Ambien
- Lunesta
- Morphine
- Valium (diazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Ritalin
- Adderall
A Florida officer may stop a driver on suspicion of prescription drug DUI in the same manner as driving under the influence of alcohol. The breath test may only show that alcohol was used in combination with prescription drugs. A field sobriety test may help to determine that the driver was not in control of his or her normal faculties.
Because these tests are inconclusive, an arrest for prescription drug DUI must include a blood test or urine test to further determine that drugs were, in fact, present in the driver’s system. How much of a prescription drug affects a driver’s ability varies with each drug and the driver’s tolerance to the drug.
DUI Help Is Just a Phone Call Away
Talk to an Orlando DUI attorney at TK Law as soon as possible to discuss your case and the defenses available. Our firm is devoted to defending people throughout Central Florida for DUI. We understand that people are not automatically guilty because they take medication. Our attorneys have considerable experience defending these cases and know the Florida laws that could lead to a dismissal or to a lesser charge than DUI.
Call us today at 1-855-Kramer Now (855-572-6376). We only have 10 days to challenge the suspension of a driver’s license after a DUI arrest, so we must start representing you right away.
Penalties for Drugged Driving
DUI is a serious offense in Florida, regardless of whether the arrest relates to alcohol, a controlled substance, or prescribed medications. Fines and jail time are just two of the Florida DUI penalties a driver could face if convicted. Penalties also depend on the severity and repeat nature of the offense and whether an accident is involved.
In addition to DUI penalties, any drug-related conviction in Florida leads to an automatic two-year suspension of a driver’s license. Prescription drugs are frequently abused and highly addictive. A driver under the influence of an illegally obtained prescription drug may also face charges of illegal possession of prescription medications.
Defense in DUI Drug Cases
A Florida prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a driver was under the influence of a medication at the time he or she was charged with DUI. Doing so is extremely difficult because urine and blood tests are unreliable.
The attorneys at TK Law examine all of the evidence in our client’s case in order to determine if any rights have been violated. Our attorneys may call on expert witnesses and accident reconstruction experts to reinforce the defense.
Several factors can influence the accuracy of a chemical test used for a DUI drug arrest. One of the primary factors is that none of the tests can measure if the drugs were in a driver’s system at the time of the arrest. This is because some prescription drugs can remain stored in the body for several days. The effects of various drug concentrations in a person’s blood is also difficult to establish.
We will work to get questionable evidence suppressed and investigate how the police handled your arrest. We may be able to pursue probable cause, unlawful arrests, improper police investigations, and other evidence to defend your case.
Contact us immediately to discuss your DUI drug case and the specific defense strategies available.
What to Do after a DUI Prescription Drug Arrest
If you are arrested for DUI, the first thing you need to do is call your TK Law attorney as soon as possible. Do not speak to law enforcement except for providing your identifying information. Be polite and respectful when you tell the officer that your attorney will handle any conversation with police.
Know that a driver could face additional charges if he or she refuses a chemical test in Florida when suspected of DUI. Florida uses an implied consent law, which means that all drivers with Florida driver’s licenses have technically agreed to take a chemical test if ever suspected of DUI.
The DUI attorneys at TK Law can help you. We have the experience and the resources necessary to successfully fight against questionable scientific evidence or criminal charges of DUI for prescription drugs.
Call TK Law today: 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376)