DUI Attorney

Prescription Drugs and DUIs: What Las Vegas Residents Need to Know

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When people think about DUI charges, they often associate them with alcohol or illegal drugs. However, prescription drugs can also impair your ability to drive and lead to DUI charges. For Las Vegas residents, understanding how prescription drugs factor into DUI laws is crucial to avoiding legal complications. This blog will discuss the effects of prescription drugs on driving, relevant laws, and how a DUI defense lawyer in Las Vegas can assist if you’re charged.

Can Prescription Drugs Lead to a DUI?

Yes, they can. While prescription drugs are legal when used as directed, certain medications can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it unsafe to drive. Common prescription drugs that may impair driving include:

  • Painkillers: Opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone.
  • Sedatives: Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium, or Ambien.
  • Antidepressants: Some SSRIs and other antidepressants can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Stimulants: Medications like Adderall or Ritalin can affect concentration and reaction time.

Even over-the-counter medications, like antihistamines, may impair driving ability when combined with prescription drugs or alcohol.

How Nevada DUI Laws Apply to Prescription Drugs

Under Nevada law, it is illegal to drive under the influence of substances that impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This includes prescription drugs, even if they are legally prescribed.

The key factors in prescription drug DUIs include:

  1. Impairment: The prosecution must prove that the drug impaired your ability to drive.
  2. Lawful Use: Even lawful use of medication is not a defense if it leads to impairment.
  3. Chemical Testing: Blood or urine tests may detect the presence of drugs in your system.

Signs That Prescription Drugs Could Affect Driving

If you experience any of the following symptoms while on prescription medication, driving could put you and others at risk:

  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slowed reaction times
  • Dizziness or nausea
  • Difficulty concentrating

Always read warning labels and consult your doctor about how your medication may affect your ability to drive.

Defending Against a Prescription Drug DUI

If charged with a prescription drug DUI, having an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Las Vegas is essential. Common defense strategies include:

  1. Challenging the Evidence

A lawyer can scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, including the accuracy of chemical tests and the procedures followed by law enforcement officers.

  1. Medical Exemptions

If your medication is crucial for your health and was taken as prescribed, this can be used to mitigate charges.

  1. Proving Non-Impairment

A high concentration of a drug in your system does not necessarily mean you were impaired. Your attorney can present expert testimony to prove your driving ability was not affected.

  1. Unlawful Traffic Stop

If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you, any evidence gathered after the stop might be inadmissible in court.

Tips to Avoid a Prescription Drug DUI

To protect yourself from potential charges:

  • Know the side effects of your medications.
  • Avoid driving when starting a new medication until you understand its effects.
  • Never mix medications with alcohol.
  • Always carry your prescription to prove lawful use.

Final Thoughts

Prescription drugs are vital for managing many health conditions, but they come with responsibilities, especially when it comes to driving. If you or someone you know is facing a prescription drug DUI, legal help is crucial. At CEGA Criminal Law Group, our experienced team of DUI defense lawyers in Las Vegas is ready to fight for your rights and build a strong defense. Contact us today at (702) 291-7996 for a consultation.