A Prescription Drug DUI, carries the same penalties as an alcohol DUI. If you are taking legal drugs with a prescription, it is not a defense to DUI anywhere in North County, like Oceanside, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido San Marcos or Vista. The purpose of the law is to keep drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs, legal or not, from driving. Many prescription drugs carry warnings not to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking. These drugs, while legal, slow reactions, impair judgment, and distort perception. Many of these drugs also greatly increase the effects of any alcohol and warn against drinking while taking medications. Pain killers like vicodin and oxycotin, anxietyand depression meds like Wellbutin, Xanax and Prozac are some of the prescription meds seen in Prescription Drug DUI cases, these are in addition to illegal drugs like marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine etc.
If you have possession of prescription drugs without a prescription or illegal drugs when you are stopped for DUI, you will also face possible additional felony or misdemeanor drug possession charges. With a DUI at the same time, you may not be eligible for some of the alternative criminal drug programs like diversion or prop 36. Many people wrongly believe that if you are driving and have a valid prescription that you cannot be charged with DUI, WRONG!
There are still issues with these Prescription Drug DUI cases, especially what levels cause impairment which an experienced DUI Attorney can explore to help you get the best possible resolution in your case. Christoph Law Offices have been across from the Vista Courts for over 30 years and handled over 3000 DUI cases, let us give you a free consultation and evaluation of your case, call Christoph Law Offices @ 760-941-5720.
