Many of us believe that DUI offenses often involve alcohol and drugs, but the truth is an individual can be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence charges) for having certain medications in the system.
At a reputed law firm like SPARTACUS, you can seek the assistance of a licensed DUI lawyer, who can deal with all kinds of DUI charges at an affordable price.
According to NRS 484C.110, it’s illegal to control or drive a vehicle while on controlled substances, including prescription drugs (even if the person has permission to take the drugs). It means an individual can be arrested, charged, and accused of DUI even if he or she has a trace quantity of prescribed drugs in the system when driving a vehicle.
A vehicle driver has to undergo a urine or blood test to check the presence of the controlled substance. Therefore, police can check an individual even without consent, if they think the person is under the influence.
What Kind of Prescription Medications May End in A DUI Charge?
Several prescription medications like painkillers, sleeping pills, and others, are prescribed by healthcare providers for different health issues such as insomnia, automobile accidents, injuries, and more. These drugs may cause a driving person to be under the influence. The commonly prescribed drugs that end in DUI charges are narcotic analgesics.
Here are a Few Examples Including:
- Lortab
- Hydrocodone
- Vicodin
- Demerol
- Lunesta
- Demerol
Prescription Medication Effects on Driving
The common effects of sedative-hypnotics, painkillers, narcotics, narcotic analgesics, and sleeping pills on driving are:
- Nausea
- Impaired coordination
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Impaired judgment
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
- Sleep deprivation (a state where an individual who drives a vehicle is fully conscious or awake and has no recall of driving)
- Delay in reaction time
What does a DUI Charged Individual Have to Face?
According to NRS 484C.400, 1st time DUI offense for prescription medications involves minimum penalties such as:
- $400-$1,000 fine
- Community service for 2 days to 4 days
- Imprisonment of 2 days – 180 days
- The possible treatment program for drug or alcohol abuse
- Suspension or revocation of driver’s license
- Counseling courses for controlled substances
- Victim impact panels and mandatory classes
Moreover, the charges are increased based on each DUI charge, whether the case involves controlled substances, alcohol, or both. If a DUI offense ends in a serious accident or death or an individual has more than 3 DUI charges within a period of 7 years, then the accused person has to pay a fine of $2,000 to $5,000 and be sentenced to 1 year – 7 years of imprisonment.
Prescription drugs may slow down bodily functions leading to impaired driving. People who are under these medications are not recommended to drive, finding these drugs in the system will be charged for violating the DUI Laws of Nevada. In such a case, it’s ideal to hire a reliable attorney in Las Vegas who has relevant experience.
