Taking prescription drugs is extremely prevalent among citizens in the United States. Around half of all Americans take one or more prescription medications, and the most common among adults are those for cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. Other people take prescription drugs for no medical reason at all, abusing the substances for recreational or self-medicating reasons. Whether the drugs were acquired legally or not, being under the influence of a drug that impairs your driving could get you penalized with a DUI charge.
Drug-related DUI arrests frequently concern painkillers, medications that affect the central nervous system, depressants, and prescription sleeping pills. Vicodin, Percocet, codeine, morphine, Valium, and Xanax are all medicines that can lead to a DUI. Your medications will usually give a warning regarding whether or not you should be driving or operating heavy machinery while on the drug.
Despite the fact you may not be drinking and you have a legal prescription, if an officer suspects you of driving under the influence, he or she may stop you and ask you for a breathalyzer or blood test. A DUI is a serious offense in Florida, so if you are accused of one, you could face jail time, fines, losing your driver's license for a few months. The penalties become much more stringent if this isn't your first DUI conviction. For example, a third or fourth DUI charge could lead to the permanent loss of your license.
If you have been arrested, the first thing you should do is call an experienced Florida drug crimes attorney. Our lawyers here at Musca Law are experienced in representing people in drunk and drugged driving cases. We have more than 150 years of collective legal experience to offer your case. Let us protect your rights and freedom today.
Contact us at (888) 484-5057 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case consultation.