Yes, you can get a DUI for driving on Adderall in California if the medication impairs your ability to drive safely, even if it was legally prescribed. Driving after taking certain prescription medications could lead to driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) charges.
If you’re facing DUID charges, it’s important to speak with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work to protect your license, record, and future.
Effects of Adderall on Drivers in California
Adderall is a medication often used by individuals diagnosed with conditions like ADHD. The medication is actually a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These drugs generally help people focus due to their effects on the central nervous system.
However, as it fades, it may result in severe fatigue and can cause dizziness for some drivers. Drivers could also experience slower reaction times while taking Adderall, which could cause them to make dangerous decisions while driving.
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How Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medication Can Lead to a DUI
Many people assume driving under the influence only applies to alcohol, but prescription medication and over-the-counter medication can also impair driving abilities enough to result in a DUI charge.
In California, law enforcement officers are trained to detect signs of drug impairment, even when the drugs are legally prescribed or purchased. That means you can be arrested for operating with the presence of drugs—even if you were taking your medication exactly as instructed.
Controlled Substances and Over-the-Counter Risks
Medications like Adderall, sleep aids, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers can seriously impact your driving performance. Even counter drugs like cold medicine or antihistamines may cause drowsiness or slowed reaction time.
These effects of drug impairment are enough to support a charge under the California Vehicle Code for driving under the influence of drugs. If drug impairments affect your control of the vehicle, you could face legal consequences similar to alcohol-related offenses.
Charges Used to Prosecute a DUID for Adderall
The court system in California uses specific legal code to handle DUIDs and may charge you under Vehicle Code Section 23152(f). VC 23152(f) is often treated as a misdemeanor; however, you could face felony charges if:
- You have three past misdemeanor DUI(D) charges within a 10-year period.
- You have one past felony DUI(D) charge within a 10-year period.
- You hurt or killed someone in a DUI(D) accident.
Note that all DUID charges in the state of California are considered priorable. They will count against you if you are arrested for a subsequent DUID. This means you face increased penalties after each conviction.
Penalties for an Adderall-Related DUID Charge
DUID charges are treated seriously in California. As we mentioned, you could face misdemeanor charges after your arrest. A conviction may result in:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Fines
- Restrictions on your driver’s license
You may also be ordered to attend a drug or alcohol education program after a conviction. You face harsher penalties each time you’re convicted of a DUID. Eventually, you could even end up sentenced to prison time.
Get help handling any DUID charges by reaching out to a lawyer. Call Simmrin Law Group and start discussing your case with a DUID lawyer in California. We’re ready to answer any questions you have about Adderall DUID charges.
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Testing for DUID Charges for Adderall Usage
Police officers may complete blood or urine testing after a DUID arrest in California. Note that you are legally required to comply with DUI testing after an arrest. Refusal to take a DUI test could lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.
Officers have a limited amount of time to complete this testing. Adderall will not remain in your system indefinitely. In fact, most amphetamines are only detectable for:
- 24 hours with a blood test
- Three days with a urine test
However, just because Adderall is detectable in your blood does not mean you were driving while impaired.
A lawyer can dispute the results of your tests by arguing that you were not adversely affected while operating your vehicle. A lawyer may also work to show that police officers did not carry out your DUID testing correctly.
Methods to Resolve Adderall-Related DUID Charges
There are several ways to resolve DUID charges in California that do not result in a conviction. A lawyer may help you work to get your charges dismissed in some cases.
Your lawyer may also negotiate with prosecutors to help you get a plea bargain. Plea bargains may reduce the charges you are facing. However, they do require you to admit you are guilty of a less-severe charge.
At Simmrin Law Group, we know how to craft a courtroom-ready defense here in California. A lawyer from our team will work hard to bring you a not-guilty verdict. This could allow you to move forward with your life after a DUID arrest.
Legal Consequences and Defense Strategies for Drug-Related DUI Charges
A DUI involving prescription drugs or over-the-counter substances can carry serious penalties. Consequences may include driver’s license suspension, mandatory participation in a drug treatment program, jail time, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Even a first-time DUI offense can be charged as a criminal offense, especially when combined with poor driving performance or the presence of a controlled substance.
Challenging the Evidence of Impairment
Prosecutors often rely on evidence of impairment such as erratic driving, field sobriety tests, and assessments by drug recognition experts. However, in some cases, there may be a lack of evidence that clearly shows drug impairment at the time of driving.
This opens the door for your defense lawyer to challenge the credibility of the arrest, the procedures used, or the conclusions drawn by law enforcement officers.
How DUI Attorneys Can Help Fight Drug Charges
An experienced attorney or team of criminal defense lawyers can develop a strong defense strategy based on the circumstances of your arrest. This may include arguing for reduced penalties, diversion options, or even case dismissal.
In many cases, an experienced DUI attorney can argue for placement in a drug diversion program rather than facing jail time or other harsh penalties. Don’t lose hope if you are facing charges; talk to a knowledgeable legal professional at Simmrin Law Group today.
Talk to a Lawyer if You Got a DUI for Driving on Adderall
So, can you get a DUI for driving on Adderall? The answer is yes. At Simmrin Law Group, our criminal defense legal team understands how to handle complicated drug-related DUI charges and can move quickly to protect your rights.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled California DUID lawyer and get the experienced defense you need. For more information, check out our FAQ page.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form