Many drivers have a difficult time understanding California’s regulations on driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). While alcohol-related DUIs seem easy to understand, it can be more challenging to figure out exactly which drugs or medications can lead to DUID charges.
Find out if you can get a DUI for the use of prescription medications right here. Use this article to review California’s laws on DUIDs. Focus on defenses to DUID charges in California with the Simmrin Law Group. Call (310) 896-2723 and consider your legal options after a DUID arrest.
Prescription Medications Can Lead to DUID Charges
Drivers in California can be charged with a DUID if they operate a motor vehicle while impaired by a chemical substance. This means that drivers can face criminal charges for driving after they use:
- Illicit chemical substances
- Some prescription medications
- Some over-the-counter medications
Note that not all medications will lead to a DUID charge. For example, a driver who takes an ibuprofen to deal with a headache before getting behind the wheel shouldn’t be charged with a DUID. Only drugs that impact a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle can result in DUID accusations.
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Examples of Prescription Medications Tied to DUIDs in California
Before we move forward, it can be helpful to review some medications that are commonly associated with DUID charges in California. Drivers can be at risk of a DUID arrest if they get behind the wheel after using:
- Prescription sleep aids, including Ambien
- Prescription pain killers, including Vicodin
- Prescription stimulants, like methamphetamine
- Prescription marijuana
The above examples are not a comprehensive list of all the medications that can lead to DUID charges in California. As you can see, many prescription medications can result in a DUID accusation. If you are accused of driving under the influence of a prescription drug you can get help fast from a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles. Just call (310) 896-2723 to focus on your defense.
Charges Used to Prosecute Prescription Medication DUIDs
You can face several criminal charges if you are accused of a DUID related to prescription medication. The most common charges used to handle this accusation are Vehicle Code Section 23152(f): Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Vehicle Code Section 23152(g): Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol.
Both of the above criminal charges can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. Generally, drivers will be charged with a misdemeanor unless they have multiple prior convictions or if they injured or killed someone while driving under the influence.
Additionally, drivers may face charges for drug possession or possession for sale after some DUID arrests. If you have a prescription for the medication in your possession, you should not face these extra criminal charges.
Results of a Prescription Medication DUID Conviction
You can face a number of harsh penalties if you are convicted of a prescription medication DUID in California. A conviction can result in:
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Time in jail or prison
- A suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Attendance in DUI school
Penalties for DUIDs in California grow more severe each time a driver is arrested. Both misdemeanor and felony DUIDs are considered priorable. They’ll stay on your record for 10 years. Each subsequent conviction can lead to higher fines and a lengthier period of incarceration.
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Build a Defense to a DUID for Prescription Medication Usage
As you can see, a DUID charge in California should be treated very seriously. Drivers accused of driving while impaired by prescription medication can get help fast from a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. Start working on your defense now with the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group.
We may be able to demonstrate that you:
- Were not impaired by a prescription medication
- Did not take prescription medication before driving
- Were stopped without reasonable cause by a law enforcement officer
Your lawyer can focus on getting your charges reduced or dismissed. We are also prepared to construct a courtroom ready defense for you, so you are ready to face DUID charges head-on in California.
A Lawyer Can Help if You Get a DUI for Prescription Medication
You can get a DUI for prescription medication usage in California. Fortunately, you can also get legal help handling these charges from the Simmrin Law Group. Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles are ready to assist you right now. Reach out to us today to get a FREE initial case evaluation.
Call (310) 896-2723 or fill out our online contact form to get the legal advice you need to deal with DUID charges.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form