Facing charges for a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in Texas can be a stressful and confusing experience, especially when prescription medications are involved. You may have been prescribed medication by a doctor for a legitimate medical condition, but now find yourself facing the possibility of a criminal charge. The emotions you are likely experiencing, including worry, anxiety, and confusion, are completely understandable. If you’re in this situation, you need someone who can provide the support, guidance, and legal representation necessary to navigate through this challenging time. You are not alone, and we are here to help.
Understanding DWI and Its Connection to Prescription Medications
A Texas DWI charge can occur if you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications. While most people associate DWIs with alcohol, the law also applies to drugs, both illegal and legal substances. Prescription medications, when taken improperly or in excess, can impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This impairment can result in a DWI charge if a law enforcement officer determines that the medication has affected your driving abilities.
The key question here is whether your prescription medication could lead to a DWI charge. The answer depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of medication, the dosage, and how it affects your body. Some medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or a lack of focus—side effects that can significantly impair your ability to drive safely. Even if you are taking the medication exactly as prescribed, these side effects may still be present, and they may be enough to raise suspicion from law enforcement officers.
What Prescription Medications Could Lead to a DWI Charge in Texas?
In Texas, any prescription medication that causes impairment can potentially lead to a DWI charge. Medications that are commonly known to cause impairing effects include narcotics, benzodiazepines, and certain painkillers. These medications can affect your coordination, judgment, and reaction time, all of which are critical when operating a vehicle.
For example, medications like OxyContin, Xanax, and Valium are known for their sedative effects. If you’re prescribed these medications and drive while under their influence, you could face a DWI charge, even if the medication was legally prescribed to you. It is important to understand that just because a substance is prescribed by a doctor, it does not automatically give you permission to drive if it impairs your ability to do so safely.
Even medications that are not typically associated with impairment, such as antihistamines or certain cold medications, can have side effects that may impair your ability to drive. Many of these medications can make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or even confused. Taking such medications and driving can make you vulnerable to a DWI charge if an officer believes your driving is compromised due to these effects.
What Happens If You Are Pulled Over and Suspected of Being Impaired by Prescription Medications?
If you are pulled over in Texas and a law enforcement officer suspects you may be impaired due to prescription medications, they may ask you to submit to a field sobriety test. These tests are designed to assess your coordination, balance, and mental state to determine whether you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you fail the field sobriety test or if the officer observes signs of impairment, they may place you under arrest.
In some cases, officers may request a blood test to check for the presence of prescription drugs in your system. If the test reveals that the medication you took has impaired your ability to drive, you may be arrested for DWI. Even if the medication was legally prescribed to you, you could still face consequences under Texas law if it is determined that your ability to drive was affected.
It is important to note that Texas has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to impaired driving. This means that even if the medication was prescribed to you by a doctor, the law does not excuse you from facing a DWI charge if you are found to be impaired.
Defending a Prescription Medication DWI Case in Texas
If you are facing a DWI charge due to prescription medication, there may be several defenses that could be used to challenge the evidence against you. One common defense is that the medication was legally prescribed and taken exactly as directed. However, this defense alone may not be enough to dismiss the charge, as law enforcement officers may still argue that the medication impaired your ability to drive.
700+ ACQUITTALS, DISMISSALS & REDUCTIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS
Another potential defense involves questioning the accuracy of the field sobriety tests or the blood test results. Field sobriety tests are not always reliable, and many factors can influence the results. For example, if you have a medical condition that affects your balance or coordination, the test may not accurately reflect your ability to drive. Additionally, blood tests can sometimes yield false positives or incorrect results, which can be challenged in court.
Additionally, your attorney may argue that the medication did not actually impair your ability to drive. This could involve presenting evidence that you were not experiencing the typical side effects of the medication at the time of your arrest, or that your driving was not actually affected by the medication.
What to Do If You Are Facing a Prescription Medication DWI Charge in Texas
If you are facing a DWI charge related to prescription medications in Texas, the first step is to seek legal help as soon as possible. The consequences of a DWI conviction can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. It is critical to have a skilled attorney by your side to protect your rights and help you build the best defense possible.
At Wilder Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face a DWI charge, especially when prescription medications are involved. Our team is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need to get through this challenging time. We are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Whether you believe your prescription medication was not a factor in your driving ability or you need help challenging the evidence against you, we will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected. We understand the complexities of Texas DWI laws and can help you navigate through the legal process with confidence.
If you or someone you know is facing a DWI charge due to prescription medications, don’t hesitate to reach out to Wilder Law Firm for the help and support you need. We are dedicated to helping clients in Texas get the best possible result in their case. Our team will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and work with you to develop a solid defense strategy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.