Prescription Medications And DUI Charges You Didn't Know About

When it comes to driving under the influence, most people think about driving under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances. Indeed, it is illegal to be operating a vehicle in case your Bac (Blood Alcohol Content) equals or surpasses the .08% threshold and it is illegal to be operating a vehicle if you are under the influence of drugs. However, there are many different types of drugs and not all of them are actually illegal. Most people, however, firmly believe that they will only be charged with DUI in case they were driving under the influence of marijuana, cocaine and other illegal substances.

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With that said, even if you are driving under the influence of prescription drugs, such as Vicodin, Dolophine, Demerol or Oxycontin, chances are, you may also be arrested for driving under the influence. See, the active substances in those remedies are extremely psychoactive. This means that these drugs, although absolutely legal and prescribed by your healthcare expert, may reduce you awareness, slow down your reaction time, make you lose concentration and focus and will put other drivers, passengers as well as pedestrians in danger.

Prescription drugs, especially the ones that are designed for pain relief as well as sleeping pills, are extremely dangerous for drivers and it is best to avoid using them before getting behind the wheel. In fact, you will be surprised, but the official statistical data clearly demonstrates that more and more people these days are arrested for driving under the influence of prescription drugs and not alcohol or illegal substances. In addition, some people believe that the penalties for driving under the influence of prescription drugs are less severe. Nevertheless, the fact that you have a prescription from a healthcare professional does not make matters more straightforward. Even if it is a first time DUI offense and a misdemeanor one, you may still lose your driving privileges. Furthermore, you will have to pay expensive fines, attend DUI classes, perform community service and even, depending on the circumstances, will be sentenced to county jail.

If you were charged with driving under the influence of prescription medication, it is imperative not to lose any time. The first thing you will want to do would be getting touch with a qualified and experienced DUI attorney at the earliest opportunity. If you want to get a reduced sentence or would like to get the case dismissed to begin with, only a good legal representative is going to help you do so within the very least amount of time possible.