Prescription Pills and DUI: Penalties and How Defense Lawyers Can Help

Here at The Law Office of James Novak, we want to make sure that all people in and around the Phoenix area understand their DUI defense strategy options. Having a skilled lawyer on your side can make a world of difference.

We’ve talked a fair amount about drunk driving charges on this blog, though we have yet to address DUI when it comes to the use of medications and prescription drugs. Let’s go over these matters right now.

Driving Under the Influence of Pills/Medication Is a Serious Offense

While many people understand that driving while drunk is very serious, it’s important that motorists also understand that driving while under the influence of medications can also pose a number of dangers to others. This includes potential collisions, striking pedestrians and bicyclists, and so forth. It’s for this reason that certain types of medications have warnings with regard to driving and operating machinery that have to be kept in mind.

Drug Addicts and Those with Legal Prescriptions Can Be Charged

Whether you are using a medication as directed by your doctor or the label, or if you have illegally obtained and/or are using the substance outside of proper medical supervision/necessity, this makes no difference in the eyes of the law. Anyone who is pulled over and founds to be under the influence of a medication will be charged with driving under the influence and face legal penalties for this action.

Common Kinds of Pills/Medications That Lead to DUI Stops and Arrests

The most common kinds of pills and prescription medications that result in the arrest of drivers include:

• Oxycontin
• Oxycodone
• Vicodin
• Valium
• Percocet
• Xanax
• Methadone
• Morphine

Penalties for DUI with Pills/Medication

The penalties for DUI when driving under the influence of prescription medication are like the penalties for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

For a first offense of DUI using medication/pills, the most common penalties are:

• Up to 10 days of jail time
• A base fine of $250
• Suspension of driver’s license for up to a year

Additional penalties will apply as well depending on the circumstances of the incident and your arrest.

For a second offense of DUI using medication/pills, the most common penalties are:

• Up to 90 days of jail time
• A base fine of $500
• Suspension of driver’s license for one year

As with a first offense DUI, additional penalties will apply depending on the circumstances of the incident and your arrest.

How a DUI Attorney Can Help You with Your Case

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI for using medications while behind the wheel, a defense attorney will fight diligently for you to ensure that you receive a fair shake from the law. We will help ensure that the system is just and that the legal proceedings are carried out properly, with full attention paid to your legal rights and entitlements.

A defense attorney will note any potential mistakes or improprieties in the arrest process in order to help get charges dropped or penalties reduced. An attorney will also be sure to provide counsel after the legal proceedings are over so you understand how to move forward following any charges and penalties levied against you.

Contact the Team at The Law Office of James Novak

For more information about your legal rights and options following a drunk driving or intoxicated driving arrest, it’s important that you contact a skilled DUI and drug charge defense lawyer today. We at The Law Office of James Novak will work closely with you to ensure that you receive expert legal counsel and guidance going forward.