While prescription drugs are legal to possess with a prescription from a medical professional, a driver with a prescription for a particular medication may not be able to drive after taking it. State law defines DUI as operating a vehicle under the influence of a drug, regardless of whether the drug was prescribed.

Because there is no recognized limit for drug intoxication, the prosecution may find it difficult to prove a driver’s intoxication due to prescription medication. These cases can involve many legal nuances, making it crucial to work with a Shelton prescription drug DUI lawyer on your defense. Consult the legal team at Ruane Attorneys to learn more about intoxicated driving charges involving legal medications.

Proving Intoxication Due to a Prescription Medication

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that a driver was under the influence of a prescription drug. This involves showing that the prescription drug adversely affected the driver’s motor capabilities and prevented them from driving properly. The prosecution may also try to gather evidence that the person used the medication over the prescribed amount or that the prescribing physician advised against operating machinery after taking the medication.

If the driver experienced side effects from a drug, the symptoms would have to be consistent with overuse. Juries are unlikely to convict a driver for using their medication in accordance with their doctor’s prescription. Our Shelton attorneys could gather evidence that a driver used their prescription properly to defend against drug DUI charges.

Toxicologists in Substance-Related DUI Cases

For the state to make a convincing prescription drug DUI case, it must do more than base its argument on test results showing the driver had a substance in their system at the time of the arrest. The state must call a toxicologist as an expert witness. The toxicologist must use the test results to prove that the driver took more than the prescribed amount of medication and that the overuse led to impaired driving.

Those accused of substance-related DUIs in Shelton should provide all prescription and medical information to their lawyer. An attorney at our firm can research any potentially adverse interactions between these medications. This information is important to have on hand when dealing with prescription drug DUI charges.

Drug and Alcohol Interaction Defenses

Cases involving medication and alcohol interactions involve an additional layer of nuance. Even if the driver drank only a small amount of alcohol—which would not have impaired them without the drug interaction—the presence of alcohol could complicate a prescription DUI case that might otherwise be easy to defend. Because drug DUI cases can involve many factors, defendants should work with a Shelton lawyer on a tailored defense strategy.

Driving Under the Influence of a Drug Without a Prescription

Allegations of driving under the influence of a medication without a valid prescription are more serious. In this situation, the prosecution can argue that the driver abused the drug, and a jury is more likely to convict. However, a Shelton lawyer could still argue that the medication did not affect the person’s driving ability, regardless of whether they had a prescription.

Contact a Shelton Attorney for Prescription Drug DUI Cases

After a substance-related DUI arrest, you may be confused and unsure why you face these charges. If you only took legal, prescribed medications before getting behind the wheel, it will be difficult for the prosecution to convict you. However, consulting a Shelton prescription drug DUI lawyer can ensure your rights are protected.

When meeting with legal counsel, bring your medical history, including a list of all your medications and descriptions of your prior treatments. For more information on how to deal with these charges and seek a positive resolution to your case, call Ruane Attorneys today.