While DUI charges typically refer to driving under the influence of alcohol, it is very important to remember that being under the influence of any drug can lead to an arrest. Alcohol may be the most common drug, the one that is the most easily accessible, but it’s not the only thing that changes your ability to drive a motor vehicle.
On top of that, be aware that you can face DUI charges even if the drugs you took were completely legal.
Remember, many prescription drugs come with serious side effects. These can include issues like:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Trouble moving quickly
- Reduced motor skills
- Blurred vision
- Trouble focusing on anything specific or paying attention to what is happening around you
- Fainting
In fact, taking many prescription drugs can put you in worse condition to drive than alcohol.
Consider a trip to the surgeon to have your wisdom teeth removed. If they put you under, do you remember how you felt when you woke up? Most people are really out of it and often say or do things that they do not even remember later. Parents have made a habit of taking videos of their kids to watch later, and these videos underscore just how important it is for those parents to be there to drive the kids home — even when they’re well past the legal driving age of 16.
Now, you may have taken medication that inhibited your ability to drive without realizing it. If that led to DUI charges, you must make sure you really understand all of the legal defense options you have.
Source: FindLaw, “You Can Get a DUI on Legal Drugs,” accessed June 07, 2018
