Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs play a vital role in treating various medical conditions. However, when it comes to driving under the influence of these medications, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks involved. Surprisingly, in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania, the law treats prescription drugs no differently than illegal substances in DUI cases.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with driving under the influence of prescription drugs, it’s of utmost importance to seek immediate assistance from a skilled Pittsburgh Drugged Driving Lawyer. These professionals possess the expertise to navigate the complexities of such cases and provide you with the necessary guidance.

What You Need To Know?

Understanding the consequences is essential. If your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) tests twice the legal limit, you can face severe DUI penalties as per state laws. These penalties may include license suspension, imprisonment, and hefty fines.

Drugged Driving Vs Drunk Driving

It’s worth noting that the laws concerning drugged driving are quite similar to those for drunk driving. Prescription drugs such as Ambien, Ativan, and Xanax are often cited as significant contributors to these cases. Law enforcement officers may initiate a traffic stop if they observe erratic driving behaviors, such as weaving, swerving, or driving below the speed limit. During the encounter, they will be on the lookout for physical indicators such as glassy eyes and slurred speech. They may also administer a Field Sobriety Test and request blood or urine samples.

Officers rely on specially trained Drug Recognition Evaluators to assess drug impairment in individuals. These evaluators follow a comprehensive program, closely monitoring indicators such as eye pupils, blood pressure, pulse rate, and conducting physical examinations. It is crucial to understand the potential consequences of driving under the influence of prescription drugs in Pennsylvania’s three-tier system.

• First Offense:

Possible imprisonment up to six months

Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000

One-year license suspension

Enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school

Potential enrollment in a treatment program

• Second Offense:

Jail sentence between 90 days and five years

Fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000

18-month license suspension

Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school

Treatment program requirements

Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year

• Third Offense:

Imprisonment from one to five years

Fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000

18-month license suspension

Mandatory enrollment in a treatment program

Installation of an IID for one year

A DUI conviction has lasting consequences, including a permanent criminal record affecting employment opportunities and increased insurance premiums. In the unfortunate event of an accident resulting in death or injury, matters can become further complicated, potentially leading to a civil court trial.

How to Deal With Police

• Avoid attempting to leave the arrest
• Refrain from admitting to the consumption of alcohol or drugs
• Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid providing statements without the presence of a Washington PA DUI Lawyer by your side.

Your Probable Defense

Under the influence of prescription drugs, driving is considered illegal. If you’re facing a drugged driving charge, your defense lawyer may employ several possible defenses, including:

• Challenging the claim that you were the driver of the vehicle.
• Questioning the legality of the stop and adherence to DUI checkpoint standards.
• Contesting impairment caused by prescription drugs.
• Questioning the proper administration of the test and calibration of equipment.

How Your Lawyer WIll Help You?

At Logue Law Group, we have a team of skilled Washington PA criminal lawyers dedicated to providing exceptional legal counsel and building a strong defense for your case. When you choose us, we will diligently work to discredit any evidence gathered against you, protecting your rights and advocating for the best possible outcome.

To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced Washington PA criminal lawyers, contact us online or call (844) PITT-DUI. We are here to help you navigate your legal challenges with confidence.