Can I Be Arrested for DUI Based on My Prescription Medication?

DuPage County Drug DUI Defense Lawyers

Drunk driving is known to be dangerous. For the past several decades, public safety campaigns have reminded people that getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol can lead to deadly car crashes. However, intoxicated driving is not just limited to alcohol use. Many different types of drugs can also cause a person to be incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely. Because of the ongoing concerns about drug use by drivers, police may perform arrests in situations where they believe a person was under the influence of intoxicating substances, which may include various types of prescription drugs.

It is possible for you to be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) based on a medication that you are taking as prescribed by your doctor. If a police officer has probable cause to believe that your ability to drive has been impaired by any drug, including a prescription medication, you could be arrested and charged with DUI. In these situations, you will need to understand the specific charges you are facing and the options for defending against a conviction. You can do so with the help of a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney. At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we understand the difficulties faced by people who are charged with DUI in relation to the use of prescription drugs, and we will ensure that your rights are protected during your case.

DUI Charges Related to Prescription Medications

Millions of Americans rely on prescription drugs to help them treat and control a nearly endless list of health conditions. Many prescription medications are known to have side effects that include drowsiness and decreased alertness, as well as other issues that can affect their balance, their bodily control, or their ability to drive safely. In fact, some prescription drugs have warning labels that remind patients not to operate heavy machinery while on the medication. These types of medications can also affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, and having a valid prescription will not automatically prevent you from being charged with a DUI.

If police believe that you were under the influence of any substances that limited your ability to control a vehicle and avoid collisions, you may be arrested and charged with DUI. If you are convicted, you will face the same penalties that would apply if you were driving under the influence of alcohol. Prescription drugs that could potentially lead to DUI charges include opioid painkillers, medical marijuana, or various other types of medications that can have side effects that may lead to vision or hearing problems, longer reaction times, or a loss of balance.

Protecting Your Rights in Illinois

If you are arrested and charged with a DUI related to your prescription medication, it is important to contact a qualified DUI defense attorney right away. Your attorney can help you understand the charges against you, as well as the possible consequences of a conviction. If you are facing a license suspension, your attorney can assist you in obtaining driving relief while your case is pending.

While a valid prescription does not guarantee that the charges against you will be dropped, it could be difficult for prosecutors to prove that you were impaired. There is no equivalent of a breathalyzer to determine impairment caused by a prescription drug. As a result, your attorney can also help you build an aggressive yet responsible defense to the charges against you.

Contact Our Wheaton Prescription Drug DUI Attorneys

A conviction on charges of DUI can change your life forever. If you have been arrested and charged in connection with a legal prescription medication, contact the office of Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC. Call 630-665-7300 for a confidential consultation today. We serve DuPage County, Kane County, and surrounding areas.