Can I Get a DUI for Prescription Drugs?

In Missouri, motorists are prohibited from operating a vehicle while intoxicated – under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. Similar to consuming alcohol, a person can become intoxicated due to over-the-counter and prescription medications. However, this is a gray area that law enforcement officers lack the required training to distinguish between impairment due to medication and intoxication due to alcohol or drugs.

At Guilfoil Law Group, I have experienced legal guidance and reliable representation to help clients in DWI-related matters. As a knowledgeable Missouri DUI/DWI defense attorney, I can seek to discuss your unique situation and help enlighten you about the consequences of driving on prescription drugs. Even if you're facing DWI charges, I can attempt to defend your rights and keep your record as clean as possible. My firm proudly represents clients across Kansas City, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, or anywhere in Missouri.

DWI and Prescription Drugs in Missouri

Under Missouri law, driving a motor vehicle while "intoxicated" or "under the influence" of drugs or alcohol is prohibited. A person may be facing DWI charges for driving while impaired by illegal drugs, alcohol, or lawful drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. However, it all depends on the amount of the legal drug or medication that is consumed to be intoxicated or under the influence.

For this reason, you shouldn't drive on certain lawful drugs, such as antidepressants, pain relievers, CBD, some antihistamines, muscle relaxants, stimulants, and cold medications. While these medications are lawful, they may cause driving impairment depending on the dosage. Discuss with your physician. Know yourself and how prescription drugs affect you. Most importantly, do not drive on new medications.

Consequences of Driving
on Prescription Drugs

Although most medications won't affect your driving ability. However, some prescription drugs can have reactions or side effects that make it unsafe to drive. Driving on prescription medications can:

• Blur your vision

• Make you nauseated

• Cause sleepiness or drowsiness

• Make it difficult for you to concentrate, focus, or pay attention

• Slow down your movement

• Cause dizziness

• Speed up your heart rate

• Cause you to faint

These side effects of prescription drugs can put everyone on the road at risk when you drive. Hence, if you're feeling a little high, stoned, buzzed, drowsy, drunk, or wasted, your driving can be impaired, and you shouldn't get behind the wheel. An experienced attorney can review your unique circumstances and determine whether you can get a DWI on your prescription medications.

Drugs You Can Get a DWI On

Here are some drugs that can affect your driving and ultimately get you a DWI:

• Kombucha tea

• Herbal supplements

• Medical marijuana

• Antidepressants

• Opioids for pain relievers

• Sleeping pills

• Products that contain codeine

• Muscle relaxants

• Medicines for treating or controlling diarrhea symptoms

• Stimulants and diet pills

• Anti-seizure drugs

• Prescription drugs for anxiety

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DWI for driving after taking a lawful prescription drug, you need to retain an experienced DUI defense attorney straight away.

How Legal Counsel Can
Help Your Situation

Unfortunately, you can get a DWI charge for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of legal drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications. However, trying to defend yourself against such allegations without proper guidance or experienced representation can expose you to the risks of suffering devastating consequences. Therefore, if you've been arrested for a DWI related to a medication that a physician prescribed to you, retaining a skilled DUI defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights and strategize your defense.

At Guilfoil Law Group, I have the skill, resources, and expertise to defend and represent individuals facing DWI charges for driving on prescription drugs. As your legal counsel, I can attempt to evaluate and investigate all of the surrounding facts of your case thoroughly and help determine your best defenses in pursuit of a favorable outcome.

If you're facing DWI charges related to lawful drug use, contact my firm – Guilfoil Law Group – today to schedule a simple case assessment. I have the comprehensive legal counsel and aggressive representation you need to fight your DWI accusations. My firm proudly represents clients across Kansas City, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, or anywhere in Missouri.