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Understanding Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs
Prescription medications are essential for treating various health issues. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize the risks involved when driving while taking these drugs. In Greensburg and across Pennsylvania, the law treats prescription drugs the same as illegal substances in DUI cases.
Seek Legal Help
If you or someone you know is accused of driving under the influence of prescription drugs, contacting a seasoned Greensburg criminal lawyer immediately is vital. They have the expertise to handle such cases and provide essential guidance.
Key Information
Understanding the repercussions of a DUI charge is important. If your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is twice the legal limit, you face severe penalties under state law, including license suspension, jail time, and substantial fines.
Drugged Driving vs. Drunk Driving
The laws governing drugged driving are similar to those for drunk driving. Medications like Ambien, Ativan, and Xanax are common culprits. Law enforcement may stop you if they see behaviors like weaving or slow driving. During the stop, officers look for signs such as glassy eyes and slurred speech. They might conduct a Field Sobriety Test and request blood or urine samples.
Specially trained Drug Recognition Evaluators determine drug impairment. They use a multi-step process, checking indicators like pupil size, blood pressure, and pulse rate. It’s vital to understand the potential consequences of driving under the influence of prescription drugs, especially under Pennsylvania’s three-tier system.
Penalties by Offense
- First Offense
- Up to 6 months in prison
- Fines between $1,000 and $5,000
- 1-year license suspension
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Possible treatment program
- Second Offense
- 90 days to 5 years imprisonment
- Fines from $1,500 to $10,000
- 18-month license suspension
- Mandatory safety school
- Treatment program and IID for 1 year
- Third Offense
- 1 to 5 years in prison
- Fines between $2,500 and $10,000
- 18-month license suspension
- Compulsory treatment and IID for 1 year
A DUI conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, affecting job opportunities and increasing insurance costs. If an accident results in death or injury, legal matters can become even more complex, potentially leading to civil court trials.
Handling Police Encounters
- Do not try to flee the scene.
- Avoid admitting to using drugs or alcohol.
- Exercise your right to remain silent until a Greensburg criminal lawyer is present.
Possible Defense Strategies
Driving under the influence of prescription drugs is illegal. However, a skilled Greensburg DUI lawyer can use various defense strategies, including:
- Disputing that you were driving.
- Questioning the legality of the stop and DUI checkpoint standards.
- Contesting impairment due to prescription drugs.
- Challenging the accuracy and administration of tests.
How Logue Law Group Can Assist You
At Logue Law Group, our experienced Greensburg criminal lawyers are committed to providing top-notch legal counsel and a robust defense. We work tirelessly to challenge any evidence against you, protecting your rights and striving for the best possible outcome.
For a free initial consultation with one of our skilled Greensburg DUI lawyers, contact us online or call (844) PITT-DUI. We’re here to guide you through your legal challenges with confidence.