Posted by duijim in on June 17, 2024
Prescription Medication as Legal Basis for DUI in Atlanta
While most people recognize that driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal, they may not realize that prescription medications may also lead to DUI charges. Therefore it is crucial that any medication you take be discussed with your physician if its side effects could compromise your driving ability; should you be arrested in Georgia while under the influence of prescribed drugs it would be essential that an experienced Dekalb County DUI attorney represent your interests in court proceedings.
Police officers have increased their awareness of prescription drug abuse and frequently ask drivers whether or not they are taking any medication, often responding “yes.” When drivers respond that they are on medication, this can be enough for law enforcement officers to assume they are driving while impaired – the side effects from prescription medications such as OxyContin and Demerol, benzodiazepine drugs like Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin, as well as muscle relaxants like Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine all have adverse impacts when taken while driving – something law enforcement officers cannot do.
Officers suspecting someone of being impaired due to prescription medication may request a blood test in order to ascertain what levels are present and use this evidence against the defendant in court, although this process is more subjective as there is no BAC limit which officers can use as an indication of impairment.
Evidence in a prescription drug DUI case includes evidence such as the presence of medication in your system, observed driving behavior and performance on field sobriety tests. As these cases can often involve intricate facts and circumstances, having access to a skilled DUI lawyer will assist in fighting these accusations against you.
A DUI Drugs conviction in Georgia can carry similar repercussions as those for an alcohol-related DUI conviction, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, community service hours and mandatory drug education classes. If you have been charged with DUI while taking medications, contact James Yeargan Trial Lawyer immediately so one of our experienced Atlanta DUI attorneys can assist in your defense.
Call Hames Yeargan Trial Lawyer today for a free initial consultation and we can fight aggressively on your behalf for a DUI charge while taking medication prescribed legally by your doctor. Unfortunately, this happens all too frequently in Georgia, requiring it is vital that all medications don’t interfere with operating vehicles safely and you carry your prescription paperwork when driving – ready to show law enforcement if asked. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Georgia DUI lawyer. Call now to arrange one and we can provide aggressive representation that fight for our clients’ rights!