Delaware County Prescription Drug DUI Lawyer

Any drug that can cause impairment could lead to a driving under the influence charge. This is true even if the driver had a prescription for the drug. In Delaware County, prescription drugs are considered controlled substances.

Some of the most common prescription drugs that result in charges of DUI are Oxycodone-based drugs, opioid-based drugs, various Amphetamine-based drugs, and Hydrocodone-based drugs. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of a prescription drug, you could be facing significant penalties. Fortunately, a Delaware County prescription drug DUI lawyer could fight for you. Reach out to an accomplished drug DUI attorney today.

Proving a Prescription Drug DUI Case

To be charged with a prescription drug DUI, there must be enough proof that the defendant was intoxicated. To prove impairment, there will need to be a blood test conducted or circumstantial evidence such as prescription pills found in the car, sluggish behavior by the driver, and being in an accident.

Along with those signs of intoxication, there must also be proof of operation of the vehicle, that they were moving it while intoxicated and not just asleep in it while it was off. Those two elements, along with other legal requirements, such as venue jurisdiction and identification of the defendant, are required in a DUI standard case.

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was operating the vehicle and was under the influence. A prescription drug DUI lawyer in Delaware County has experience building strong arguments against the prosecution’s case.

What if the Defendant Experienced Unexpected Side Effects?

There are some viable defenses in prescription drug DUI cases. For instance, the defendant may not have been aware of how the drug would impact their ability to operate a vehicle. However, if someone has prescribed a medicine for long-term and that medicine has obvious intoxicating effects, such as an opioid-based medicine, then that will not be a defense. But for some users of new medication, not knowing the adverse effects could be a defense. Consult with a knowledgeable criminal lawyer for more information about building an effective defense.

Prescription Drug DUI Penalties

Prescription drug DUI cases are classed with the highest level of DUI offense. Therefore, these cases have higher penalties than if it was simply a low or medium rate of alcohol in their system. Prescription-related DUI offenses carry mandatory 72 hours in jail for a first offense, as well as license suspension and fines up to $1,000. Penalties increase with each subsequent DUI within a certain ten-year period. Individuals facing these penalties should consider obtaining a prescription drug DUI attorney in Delaware County as soon as possible.

How a Delaware County Prescription Drug DUI Attorney Could Help

If you have been charged with driving under the influence of a prescription drug, you might be looking at significant penalties. A conviction can lead to long-term repercussions that could impact your personal and professional life. Fortunately, a Delaware County prescription drug DUI lawyer could advocate for you and help you reach a favorable outcome to your case.