The Connection Between Prescription Drugs and DUI Charges in Georgia

When most people hear “DUI,” they often think of drinking alcohol and then getting behind the wheel. However, in Georgia, DUI charges can also result from driving under the influence of prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are commonly prescribed by doctors for various medical conditions and can be essential for health and well-being. But not everyone understands that taking these medications, even when they are legally prescribed, can lead to a DUI charge if they impair your ability to drive safely. Knowing the connection between prescription drugs and DUI charges in Georgia is crucial for anyone who uses medication regularly. Understanding the risks, knowing which drugs could cause problems, and being aware of how Georgia law handles these cases can make a big difference in your legal and personal life. At, Willis Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case

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How Prescription Drugs Can Lead to DUI Charges

Prescription drugs are made to help treat different health problems, from managing pain to treating anxiety or helping with focus. Even though these drugs are beneficial when used properly, they can also come with side effects. Some prescription medications can make people feel drowsy, confused, or less coordinated. In Georgia, if a driver is affected by a prescription drug in a way that impacts their ability to drive safely, it can lead to a DUI charge. This is because the law focuses on whether a driver is impaired, not just on what caused the impairment.

When a person takes certain medications, their reaction times can be slower, and they may not be as alert as they need to be while driving. Drugs like opioids, which are often prescribed for pain, or benzodiazepines, prescribed for anxiety, can cause drowsiness and clouded thinking. Stimulants, often given for ADHD, can sometimes cause high levels of excitement or restlessness that also make it unsafe to drive. Each of these effects can make someone less safe on the road. Under Georgia law, it doesn’t matter if the drug is legally prescribed. If a driver is under the influence and can’t drive safely, they can still face a DUI charge.

Types of Prescription Drugs Commonly Linked to DUI Charges

In Georgia, certain types of prescription drugs are more likely to lead to DUI charges because of their effects on the body and mind. Painkillers, like opioids, are commonly prescribed for intense or chronic pain. However, they can cause sleepiness, blurred vision, and slower reaction times. Opioids include medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, which are effective for pain but can seriously affect driving ability.

Another group of drugs that can cause issues is benzodiazepines. These drugs, like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, are often prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders. They can make people feel extremely relaxed, drowsy, or even confused, which can lead to impaired driving. Sedatives, which are prescribed to help with sleep, can make a person feel “hungover” or groggy the next day. Common examples include Ambien and Lunesta. Drivers who take these drugs may not realize they are still affected the morning after taking the medication.

Stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are another group that may cause problems. They are often prescribed to treat ADHD but can lead to restlessness or overconfidence when driving, causing risky behavior on the road. Even though these medications are helpful for managing certain conditions, the effects can vary depending on how a person reacts to them. In Georgia, any of these drugs, if they impair driving, can be grounds for a DUI charge.

Greg Willis has been successful at defending DUI cases (over 93% without a conviction)

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Received the Samurai Lawyer Award for having gone to jail for a total of 4 days in order to save his own client

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Received the vote of Georgia Lawyers as a Superlawyer in DUI Law for 10 straight consecutive years

 

Georgia’s Laws on Prescription Drug DUIs

In Georgia, driving under the influence laws are strict, and they apply to both alcohol and drugs. If law enforcement suspects a driver is impaired, they can be pulled over, questioned, and possibly tested. Unlike alcohol, where there is a clear blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08 percent for drivers over 21, there is no set limit for prescription drugs. This means that officers and courts look at behavior, physical signs of impairment, and sometimes drug tests to decide if someone is driving while impaired.

If a driver is charged with a DUI due to prescription drugs, the legal process can be complex. Even though the driver may have a prescription from a doctor, the law does not excuse them from being impaired. For a DUI charge, the state needs to prove that the driver was under the influence of drugs and that this made them unable to drive safely. Officers may use field sobriety tests to judge if someone is impaired, even if they only took a prescribed medication. They might also request a blood or urine test to identify the presence of drugs in the driver’s system. In Georgia, refusing these tests can result in a license suspension, even before a conviction is made.

Defending Against Prescription Drug DUI Charges

When facing a DUI charge for prescription drugs, understanding possible defenses is essential. One defense that is sometimes raised is the presence of a valid prescription. While having a prescription does not automatically protect someone from a DUI charge, it can show that the driver had a legitimate reason to be taking the medication. However, Georgia law focuses more on whether a person was impaired than on why they were taking the drug.

Another possible defense might focus on whether the driver was genuinely impaired at the time of arrest. In some cases, people may show physical symptoms that appear like impairment, but these could be caused by other factors, such as illness or fatigue. Challenging the methods used to determine impairment, like field sobriety tests, can sometimes help in these cases. Some prescription drugs may cause side effects that resemble impairment but don’t actually affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Proving this in court can be challenging, but it is one way that some cases are defended.

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Greg and his team are absolutely incredible. Greg explained everything to me in detail, as this is the first ever time I have been arrested. Regular updates throughout the process which allowed me to get on with everyday life. 200% I would recommend Greg and his team to anyone with a DUI case."

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Mr Willis is the best in the business. He knows the law inside and out. I was in a serious jam and Greg got my dui reduced to a reckless driving. This man will fight for you every step of the way."

- Anonymous

In some instances, a DUI charge could also be challenged if there were problems with how law enforcement handled the stop or arrest. For example, if the officer did not have a valid reason for pulling the driver over or if there were issues with how the field sobriety test was conducted, these could be raised as defenses. A driver facing prescription drug DUI charges in Georgia can benefit from legal representation that understands how these cases work and can help build a strong defense.

The Consequences of Prescription Drug DUIs in Georgia

A DUI conviction, even if it involves prescription drugs instead of alcohol, can lead to severe consequences. In Georgia, a first-time DUI offense can result in penalties like fines, community service, probation, and even jail time. In addition to these legal consequences, there is often a suspension or restriction of driving privileges, making it hard to get to work or handle other responsibilities.

For those with multiple DUI offenses, the penalties become even more severe. Georgia law increases the fines, jail time, and community service requirements for repeat offenses. The court may also require the driver to complete a drug treatment or education program. Additionally, having a DUI on record can affect future employment opportunities, increase insurance rates, and cause other long-term impacts on a person’s life. The seriousness of these consequences shows why it’s so important to understand the risks of driving while on prescription medication and to take steps to prevent impairment before getting behind the wheel.

Steps to Prevent a Prescription Drug DUI

To avoid a prescription drug DUI, it is essential for drivers to know how their medications affect them before driving. Reading labels and instructions can provide important information about whether it is safe to drive after taking a medication. Consulting with a healthcare provider can also be helpful. They can explain the potential side effects and may even suggest alternatives that are less likely to impair driving.

Timing is another key factor. Some medications are more likely to cause drowsiness or dizziness immediately after taking them, so planning to drive after the effects have worn off can reduce the risk of impairment. Additionally, avoiding alcohol when taking prescription drugs is crucial since mixing the two can make impairment much worse.

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Facing a DUI charge for prescription drugs can be overwhelming, especially with the complex legal process and the potential impact on your life. Willis Law Firm understands these challenges and is here to help. If you or a loved one is dealing with a prescription drug DUI charge in Georgia, we are ready to stand by your side, provide guidance, and work toward the best possible outcome. Contact Willis Law Firm today to learn how we can assist you in navigating your case and protecting your future.