July 19, 2018By Brian Manchester

More Common Than Ever: DUI Prescription Drugs

Recent surveys show Americans are taking more and more prescription drugs, and as such, police in Pennsylvania are stepping up their enforcement of prescription drug DUIs. You do not have to be drunk in order to be charged with a DUI. Rather, driving while taking common prescription drugs can lead to a Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs, including:

• Xanax
• Ambien
• Methadone
• Prozac
• Oxycodone
• Valium
• Klonopin

A Valid Prescription Can Land You In Jail

Many people are shocked to find out they can be convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs even if they are taking the drug under a doctor’s valid prescription. Although the prescription is valid, the law has determined that certain drugs cause some impairment while driving, regardless of whether they are prescribed.

Additionally, the drug does not have to be one of the drugs listed above. Even drugs your doctor prescribed you pertaining to allergies, a cold, or sleeping can lead to a charge of Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs.

The penalties of a conviction for Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs for a first time offender are up to six months in jail, fines up to $5,000, and a 12 month suspension of your license. The penalties get progressively more severe for each prior DUI offense.

Given these penalties, it is crucial to obtain an experienced criminal defender to raise doubts about your guilt.

How We Get The Best Results For You

Brian Manchester has been trying DUI cases for 18 years, and knows which defenses commonly work. He has specific training in the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of prescription drugs through hands on lab courses, not lectures in a CLE and he is currently one of less than 60 Certified Lawyer-Scientists through the American Chemical Society in the US. For a free consultation we can be contacted at 1-800-243-4878.

Posted in: DUI Blog , DUI While On Prescription Drugs