When many people think about DWIs, they commonly associate it with drinking and driving. However, it also affects those who use drugs before getting behind the wheel. Again, many think this only applies to illegal substances. You may not realize you can get a DWI for driving after taking prescription medication. Ensuring you understand the legality of operating a vehicle while taking legally obtained drugs is vital to protecting you. Keep reading to learn more and find out how Houston DWI defense attorneys can help represent you.
Does Prescription Medication Warrant a DWI?
Any time you are under the influence of a substance like drugs or alcohol, it can justify a DWI. Under state laws, this includes prescription medications if they obstruct your ability to drive.
If you take medication, having a prescription from a doctor doesn’t absolve you of a crime. Unfortunately, many medications can impact your ability to drive. You can still face the same penalties and charges as someone who drinks and drives.
Driving under the influence in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor, which warrants jail time, a fine, and possible license suspension. These are hefty consequences for something you might not even know is a crime.
What Medications Can Impact the Ability to Drive and How?
Unfortunately, many medications can impact your ability to drive due to the side effects many pills can induce. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Antihistamines
- Anti-depressants
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Cold medication
- Pain-relievers
Generally, these medications can cause drowsiness, blurry vision, and slowed reflexes. However, the side effects can vary from person to person based on the dosage and your tolerance to the drug.
Unfortunately, taking these medicines can put you and others at risk of injury if you consume them before driving. When starting a new medication, it’s critical to talk to your doctor about the side effects you could expect and do not drive until you know how the medicine could impact you.
Do I Need an Attorney?
If you’re charged with a DWI in Texas for driving while taking prescription medication, you’ll want to ensure you contact an attorney as soon as possible. A DWI charge can wreak havoc on your life, so doing what you can to avoid charges is vital to protecting your future.
Whether the medication impacted your ability to drive or not, it’s essential to comply with officers when arrested. You can also use the right to remain silent, which is recommended when under arrest. Unfortunately, you may accidentally incriminate yourself by trying to defend your actions, which can be used against you in court. Instead, politely inform the officers you will be remaining silent until you can contact your attorney.
If you’re facing DWI charges for driving while taking prescription medication, don’t wait until it’s too late to reach out for legal guidance. At the Gonzalez Law Group, we will do our best to craft a defense to help you achieve the best-case scenario for your circumstances. Reach out today to connect with an experienced attorney.
