Many individuals find themselves suffering from colds, viruses, and other illnesses over the winter. However, all drivers should be aware of how the medicine they take could be the reason they are stopped for DUI. Our attorneys at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. explain if legal medication is valid cause for a DUI charge.
Medicine Side Effects Mimicking Alcohol Impairment
Legal drugs often come with warnings about possible side effects. However, many people ignore this information when taking over-the-counter medicine that they are used to taking. Interestingly enough, the side effects that some may experience after taking medication are the same effects that individuals feel after drinking alcohol.
This includes:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Poor motor control
All of these side effects can affect the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. Thus, the driver can be charged with DUI of drugs after taking over-the-counter or prescription medications.
How to Avoid a Drug DUI this Winter
Drivers charged with medication DUI are often shocked, as they often either do not feel impaired at all or had no understanding that legal medication could warrant DUI charges. Luckily, these charges are rare. Still, there are things you can do to ensure you don’t face this complex criminal charge.
First, always check your medication labels for any side effect warnings. If there is a warning not to operate heavy machinery after taking, that includes cars! Additionally, if you are feeling under the weather enough to take medicine, you may choose to rest rather than get behind the wheel. This ensures you are safe from a charge and an accident.
Miami DUI Defense Attorneys
Many drivers are in shock when they are pulled over and arrested for DUI. If you are one of the unlucky drivers who face criminal DUI charges, know that our defense attorneys at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can help you. No DUI case is too complicated for our highly-experienced and dedicated attorneys. Share more about your situation during an initial case consultation. We look forward to working with you.