- October 18, 2024
- DUI Blogs | Taracks & Associates
Find Out Whether Taking Prescription Drugs Can Lead to a DUI Charge in Florida
When most people hear about a DUI, their minds immediately jump to someone being pulled over for drinking and driving. However, Florida’s DUI laws are much broader than that—they don’t apply only to alcohol.
You might be surprised to learn that you can be charged with a DUI even if the substance impairing your ability to drive is a prescription drug. Yes, the same medication your doctor prescribed to help you feel better could land you in serious legal trouble.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into how Florida’s DUI laws apply to prescription drugs. We’ll explore what the law says, how these medications can lead to impairment, and what happens if you’re pulled over while under the influence.
Understanding Florida’s DUI Laws
Get to Know How Florida’s DUI Laws Work and What They Mean for Your Case
Florida’s DUI laws are designed to keep all drivers and road users safe by preventing anyone who is impaired from getting behind the wheel.
Florida law is clear that driving under the influence of any substance that impairs your normal faculties can result in a DUI charge. This includes prescription drugs, even if a doctor legally prescribes them.
The law defines “normal faculties” as the ability to see, hear, walk, talk, judge distances, drive a car, and make decisions when related to operating a vehicle. So, if a substance—alcohol, an illegal drug, or a prescription medication—affects your ability to perform these tasks, you could be considered impaired under the law.
What makes this especially important for those taking prescription drugs is that many medications have side effects that can impact your driving abilities. Drugs like painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, sleep aids, and even some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, delayed reaction times, or dizziness. These effects can significantly impair your ability to drive safely, putting you at risk of a DUI charge.
Florida law doesn’t make exceptions for legal prescriptions. Even if you have a valid prescription for a medication, if it impairs your ability to drive and you’re pulled over, you can still be arrested and charged with a DUI. The key issue is whether the drug has affected your ability to drive safely—not whether the drug is legal.
In cases involving prescription drugs, officers will typically look for signs of impairment, just as they would in an alcohol-related DUI. They may conduct field sobriety tests or ask you to submit to a blood or urine test to determine whether drugs are in your system.
However, the presence of a drug alone isn’t enough for a DUI charge. The prosecution must prove that the drug impaired your normal faculties to the point where you couldn’t drive safely.
Consequences of Being Charged with a DUI for Prescription Drugs
Understand the Penalties of a DUI Charge for Prescription Drugs
Being charged with a DUI for prescription drugs in Florida carries serious consequences that can impact your life in several ways. Here’s what you could face:
Legal Penalties
A DUI conviction for prescription drugs is treated similarly to an alcohol-related DUI. This means you could face fines, probation, community service, and possibly even jail time.
The severity of these penalties often depends on whether it’s your first offense or you have prior DUI convictions. Additionally, the type of drug and the circumstances of your arrest can influence the penalties.
License Suspension
One of the most immediate consequences of a DUI charge is the suspension of your driver’s license. In Florida, even a first-time DUI can lead to a license suspension for up to six months, and longer suspensions are possible for repeat offenders.
This can make it challenging to get to work, school, or other essential activities, significantly impacting daily life.
Criminal Record
A DUI conviction will result in a criminal record, which can follow you for years. This record can affect various aspects of your life, including job prospects, housing opportunities, and even your ability to obtain certain professional licenses.
Having a DUI on your record can also lead to higher insurance premiums and difficulty securing certain types of insurance.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with a DUI for Prescription Drugs in Florida
The Essential Steps to Take
Being charged with a DUI in Florida due to prescription drugs can be a confusing and stressful experience. Knowing the right steps to take immediately can significantly impact the outcome of your case:
Contact a DUI Attorney Experienced in Prescription Drug Cases
If you’ve been charged with a DUI for prescription drug use, your first step should be to contact a DUI attorney who knows how to approach these types of cases. Prescription drug DUIs are different from alcohol-related ones, and you need a lawyer who understands the unique aspects of these cases.
Review the Details of Your Case
Your attorney will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This includes the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and any blood or urine tests conducted.
The goal is to determine whether the prescription drug you took impaired your driving or whether other factors might explain your behavior.
Comply with Legal Requirements
While your attorney works on your defense, it’s crucial to comply with any legal obligations. This may involve attending court hearings, completing DUI school, and refraining from driving if your license is suspended. Following the law during this time is essential for your case.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Your lawyer may advise you to gather evidence that could strengthen your defense. This might include medical records, details about your prescription, or expert testimony. These pieces of evidence could help demonstrate that your medication did not impair your driving.
Get The Legal Help You Need for A Prescription Drug DUI
Facing a Prescription Drug DUI Charge? Get Experienced Legal Assistance to Protect Your Rights and Secure the Best Possible Outcome for Your Case
If you’ve been charged with a DUI for prescription drugs in Florida, the consequences can be severe, and navigating the legal process on your own can feel overwhelming.
At Taracks & Associates, our experienced DUI lawyers will provide the guidance and expertise you need to protect your rights. We understand the complexities of prescription drug DUIs and will fight to ensure that your side of the story is heard.
Contact us today at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation and let us help you take control of your situation. The sooner you act, the better we can assist in building a strong defense for you.