Many prescriptions include warning labels, and many people tend to ignore them just because they usually say the same things. However, there are very good reasons why pharmacists include these warnings. The medications could pose a danger to the patient, especially in certain circumstances. For example, many of those warning labels include something along the lines of “Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication.”
If you take a legal prescription and you do drive despite this warning, which almost everyone is guilty of at some point, you could be at risk for a Connecticut drug DUI.
Most people hear the term, DUI, and they immediately think it refers to drunk driving or driving while under the influence of illegal drugs. However, this is not always the case. In fact, you could be charged for driving under the influence of medication even if a doctor gave you a prescription and you are taking the medication properly.
Many people don’t realize this, but when they take certain medications, they could have reactions close to the same as if they were drinking alcohol. While the patient may not realize they are experiencing the symptoms, it could slow down their reaction time while on the road. It is a crime to operate under the influence of drugs, even if the drugs are legal. You can be charged with a DUI.
If you are charged with a drug DUI, then you will face the same kinds of repercussions as you would if you were driving under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug. The court system doesn’t see the fact that you had a prescription for medication that you took as a defense. You can’t expect the judge to go easy on you because it will be pointed out that you should have read the warning label.
The second that you are arrested for a DUI of any type, you need an attorney right away. Don’t wait until you get to the jail. Instead, call your defense attorney even before you take a sobriety test. Do not even tell the police what kind of medication you are taking, even though it can seem tempting to make sure everyone knows you were taking the prescription legally. All you have to do is inform the police officer that you wish to speak with your attorney, and they are legally required to let you do so.
If you want the best outcome for your case, then you need to contact the Law Offices of Mark Sherman. We can handle DUI cases in Norwalk, Bridgeport, Greenwich, Stamford, and the surrounding areas. Our team is bilingual, handling English and Spanish speaking clients. Additionally, we are available at any time of the day or night.
You need to make sure your rights are protected in a drug DUI case, and that means you need quality legal advice. Be sure to call us the moment of your arrest so that we can start working for you right away.
