DUI While on Prescription Meds in New Port Richey: What Are My Options?

The latest statistics show that up to 70% of all Americans are on prescription medications. Some of these medications have no real side effects, while others can drastically affect your judgment and ability to drive. What if you face a DUI in New Port Richey because of alleged intoxication on prescription drugs? Surely, you can’t face criminal charges for something your doctor prescribed? These are questions you might want to raise with a New Port Richey DUI lawyer.

What if My Prescription Drugs Were Legally Prescribed?

Even if your doctor legally prescribed your medications, you can still face criminal charges for driving under the influence of these drugs. In the context of DUI, Florida law makes virtually no distinction between legal medications and controlled substances. If it affects your ability to drive, it is illegal.

What if I Had an Unexpected Reaction to My Prescription Drugs? 

Perhaps you had an unexpected reaction to your prescription drugs. Maybe you experienced a rare side effect while behind the wheel. For example, some drugs can cause uncontrollable eye movements, muscle weakness, or sudden increases in risk-taking behavior.

If you experienced these issues, can you avoid consequences for DUI in Florida? The answer is almost always “no.” As a patient in Florida, you are responsible for educating yourself about the potential side effects of your medication. You are also required to carefully read the warnings associated with your medications, as some might contain clear warnings not to drive while taking them.

How Can I Defend Myself Against Prescription Medication DUIs in Florida? 

Because Florida courts will not care about whether your drugs were legal or whether you had a rare reaction, your defense strategy should focus on other factors. For example, you might attempt to establish that there was no “wheel witness” to confirm you were the one driving. You might also argue that the drug testing methods used by the authorities could not have detected the presence of the alleged medications in your bloodstream.

That said, a rare reaction or side effect could potentially become a mitigating factor in your case. The judge may understand that you could not have possibly predicted or prepared for this rare reaction, and they may therefore sentence you lightly.

Can a New Port Richey DUI Defense Lawyer Help Me? 

Many people are surprised to learn that it is possible to face DUI charges in New Port Richey for driving while under the influence of legally prescribed medications. However, it is also important to understand that criminal charges do not necessarily lead to criminal convictions. With an appropriate defense strategy, you could mitigate penalties and protect your reputation. Contact Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. for further guidance.

Sources:

 hpi.georgetown.edu/rxdrugs/#:~:text=Who%20uses%20prescription%20drugs?,older%20(see%20Figure%201).

cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db470.htm#:~:text=About%2060%25%20of%20adults%20aged,or%20delaying%20filling%20a%20prescription.