Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are essential in managing various medical conditions, but they can present serious risks when combined with certain activities like driving. Many people in Waynesburg may not realize that being under the influence of prescription medication while driving is treated the same as being under the influence of illegal substances in DUI cases. Pennsylvania law makes no distinctions in these situations, ensuring safety for everyone on the road.

If you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence of prescription medications, it’s crucial to seek advice from a skilled DUI attorney. With their expertise, they can help you understand the complexities of the legal process and protect your rights.

What You Should Know About DUI Penalties

Understanding the consequences of a DUI conviction is critical. If you are found to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) that exceeds twice the legal limit, you may face severe penalties. These could include license suspension, steep fines, and even imprisonment, depending on your specific situation. A skilled Waynesburg DUI attorney can evaluate your case and help you navigate the complex legal repercussions.

Drugged Driving vs. Drunk Driving

The laws surrounding drugged driving closely resemble those for drunk driving. Common prescription drugs associated with drugged driving cases include Ambien, Ativan, and Xanax. Law enforcement officers are trained to identify impaired driving behaviors such as swerving, driving significantly below the speed limit, or weaving between lanes.

When officers suspect impairment, they may initiate a traffic stop and perform several checks:

• Look for physical signs such as glassy eyes or slurred speech.
• Conduct Field Sobriety Tests.
• Request blood or urine samples for verification.

Specially trained Drug Recognition Evaluators (DREs) are often brought in during these cases. These evaluators follow a multi-step process to determine if a driver is under the influence of drugs, analyzing factors like pupil size, pulse rate, and other physical indicators. A Waynesburg criminal lawyer can challenge the accuracy of these assessments if your rights were violated during the stop or testing process.

Pennsylvania’s Three-Tier DUI System

First Offense

• Imprisonment: Up to six months.
• Fines: $1,000 to $5,000.
• License Suspension: One year.
• Additional penalties may include attending an alcohol highway safety school and participating in a treatment program.

Second Offense

• Imprisonment: 90 days to five years.
• Fines: $1,500 to $10,000.
• License Suspension: 18 months.
• Requirements include enrollment in an alcohol safety school, a treatment program, and installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year.

Third Offense

• Imprisonment: One to five years.
• Fines: $2,500 to $10,000.
• License Suspension: 18 months.
• Conviction also involves mandatory treatment programs and installation of an IID.

A DUI conviction doesn’t just bring legal penalties. It may result in a permanent criminal record, and this can adversely affect future job opportunities and lead to higher insurance premiums. Furthermore, accidents caused by driving under the influence could lead to civil court trials if they result in injuries or fatalities.

Dealing With the Police

If you’re stopped by the police, remember these critical steps to protect your rights:

• Do not attempt to flee the scene.
• Avoid confessing or admitting to the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid making statements without consulting your criminal lawyer.

Possible Defenses for a DUI Case

Being charged doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be convicted. Your Waynesburg DUI attorney may employ various defenses, such as:

• Questioning whether you were the actual driver of the vehicle.
• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the DUI checkpoint procedures.
• Disputing the claim that your impairment was due to prescription drugs.
• Reviewing if the tests were conducted properly and the equipment was correctly calibrated.

How a Waynesburg Criminal Lawyer Can Assist You

At Logue Law Group, our team of experienced criminal lawyers in Waynesburg is fully prepared to guide you through this challenging time. Our commitment is to provide you with a strong defense by examining the evidence against you and challenging its validity where necessary. We work tirelessly to advocate for the best possible outcome for your case.

When you work with us, you’ll gain more than just legal representation. You’ll have a Waynesburg DUI attorney that genuinely cares about protecting your rights and navigating the legal maze with confidence.

Contact Us for Help

Being charged with driving under the influence of prescription drugs is a serious matter requiring immediate attention. To schedule a free consultation with one of our seasoned lawyers, contact us online or call (844) PITT-DUI. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of successfully addressing your legal challenges.

Protect your future and your rights. Reach out to a reliable Waynesburg criminal lawyer today!