Driving Under The Influence Of Prescription Drugs

You don’t have to be drunk to get a DUI in Pennsylvania. The law comes down hard on motorists with any controlled substance or metabolite in their bloodstream.

This includes scores of drugs that may sometimes be legally prescribed. If you have removed the pills from their prescription container or if you have more pills than your prescription allows, you may be charged with DUI.

This is a criminal charge that almost anyone can be charged with. People legitimately take prescription pills in our society — even the most professional, straitlaced, upscale people.

You Can Get Into Serious Trouble Taking Legitimate Medicines

The prescription drugs don’t need to be the uppers and downers you read about — OxyContin, Percocet, Ambien, etc. You may have taken a legitimate cold medicine, sleeping pill or pain pill. They can be whatever your doctor has prescribed for you. But if they cause you to drive poorly and you are pulled over for crossing lanes or rear-ending another car, you are in trouble.

You do not have to appear impaired to be charged with this crime. You can get arrested just for saying the wrong thing. The moment you say to the police officer, “I’ve never had an accident before — maybe it’s the medication I’m on,” you are in trouble.

Choose The Right DUI Defense Attorney

The way out of this trouble is to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who is steeped in prescription pill DUI law. For years, Bellwoar Kelly, LLP has been helping Chester County drivers minimize harsh treatment under the law. Our lawyers can help you, too.

We urge you to call us as soon as you arrested on suspicion of prescription medication DUI or for any serious crime. Contact us day or night in West Chester at 610-314-7066 — or email us your questions.