Can You Get a DUI for Driving on Prescription Medication in Pinellas County?
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Pinellas County are often associated with alcohol, but you can also be arrested for impaired driving due to medications. Even if you are legally prescribed a drug, if it impacts your driving to the point that you could be a danger to yourself or others, you can be charged with DUI in Florida. Unfortunately, a conviction could result in penalties that impact your life long afterward.
Our experienced Seminole DUI lawyer explains how certain medications can lead to DUI charges, the penalties involved, and what to do if you are facing these accusations.
Prescription Medications That Can Lead to Seminole DUI Charges
Under the Florida Statutes Section 316.193, a DUI involves more than just alcohol. You could face DUI charges in Seminole for being under the influence of any substance that impacts your abilities behind the wheel, which increases traffic safety risks.
Many prescription medications fall under the category of controlled substances and can impact driving ability. Common prescription drugs that may result in DUI charges in Pinellas County include:
- Opioid pain medications (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine): Can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reaction time.
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan): Often prescribed for anxiety, these drugs can cause drowsiness, confusion, and muscle weakness.
- Sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta): May cause drowsiness or sleepwalking, leading to impaired driving.
- Muscle relaxers (Flexeril, Soma): Can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, and poor coordination.
- ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin): While these stimulants improve focus, they can also cause jitteriness, anxiety, and impaired judgment.
- Antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs: Some cause sedation, dizziness, or delayed reaction times.
Even taking the above meds as prescribed could impact your ability to drive safely and puts you a risk for DUI charges in Pinellas County.
Penalties for Prescription Medication-Related DUI in Pinellas County
Being accused of DUI in Pinellas County is a serious matter, even if prescribed medication is to blame. Consequences of a conviction increase with each offense and may include:
- For a first offense: Between $500 and $1,000 in fines, a driver’s license suspension of up to one year, and up to six months in the county jail.
- For a second offense: Between $1,000 and $2,000 in fines, installation of a mandatory ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and up to nine months in jail.
- For a third offense (within 10 years): This is a third-degree felony and can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
- For a fourth or subsequent offense: Felony DUI with severe penalties, including long-term license revocation and substantial prison time.
Additional consequences can include mandatory DUI school, probation, community service, and vehicle impoundment.
Speak With An Experienced Pinellas County DUI Lawyer
If charged with a medication-related DUI in Pinellas County, get legal help. The Reep Law Firm protects clients in these cases and can build the strong legal defense you need. To speak with our experienced Seminole DUI defense lawyer, contact our office. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html
flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/dui-and-iid/florida-dui-administrative-suspension-laws/
