Driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Maryland are most commonly associated with alcohol or illegal drugs. However, many drivers are unaware that they can also face DUI charges if they are found to be impaired by legally prescribed medications. This is a serious and often misunderstood aspect of DUI law that can catch even the most cautious drivers off guard.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI while taking prescription medications, understanding how Maryland law treats these cases and knowing how to protect your rights is crucial.
How Maryland Law Defines DUI and Prescription Medications
In Maryland, DUI laws are stringent and encompass more than just alcohol or illegal substances. According to Maryland Transportation Code §21-902, it is illegal to drive or attempt to drive a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any combination of both. This includes prescription medications that can impair a person’s ability to drive safely.
Prescription drugs that can lead to DUI charges include, but are not limited to:
- Painkillers (e.g., Oxycodone, Hydrocodone)
- Anti-anxiety medications (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
- Sleep aids (e.g., Ambien, Lunesta)
- Antidepressants (e.g., Zoloft, Prozac)
- Muscle relaxants (e.g., Soma, Flexeril)
Even if a driver is taking these medications as prescribed by a doctor, they can still face DUI charges if the medication impairs their ability to drive. This means that even legally compliant behavior can result in serious legal consequences if it leads to impairment behind the wheel.
How Prescription Medication Impairment is Determined
Unlike alcohol, where impairment can be easily measured with a breathalyzer, determining impairment from prescription medications is more complex. There isn’t a standardized test for measuring drug impairment, and the effects of prescription medications can vary significantly from person to person based on factors like dosage, tolerance, and individual reactions.
Law enforcement officers in Maryland may use several methods to determine impairment, including:
- Field Sobriety Tests: These tests assess a driver's physical and cognitive abilities, such as balance, coordination, and the ability to follow instructions. However, field sobriety tests are subjective and can be influenced by factors other than impairment, such as nervousness or medical conditions.
- Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluation: A DRE is a law enforcement officer specially trained to recognize the signs of drug impairment. The DRE will conduct a thorough examination, including vital signs, eye movement tests, and muscle tone checks, to determine whether the driver is impaired by drugs, including prescription medications.
- Blood Tests: In some cases, law enforcement may require a blood test to check for the presence of drugs in the driver's system. However, the presence of a drug in the bloodstream does not necessarily equate to impairment.
Given the complexities involved in assessing impairment from prescription drugs, a DUI defense lawyer can challenge the methods used by law enforcement and the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence.
Potential Penalties for a Prescription Medication DUI in Maryland
The penalties for a DUI involving prescription medications in Maryland can be just as severe as those for alcohol-related DUIs. Depending on the circumstances, the potential penalties include:
First Offense
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Suspension of your driver’s license for up to six months
- Mandatory participation in a drug and alcohol education program
Second Offense
- Up to two years in jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- License suspension for up to one year
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
Third and Subsequent Offenses
- Up to three years in jail
- Fines up to $3,000
- Long-term or permanent license revocation
- Extended IID requirement
In addition to these penalties, a DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences, including increased insurance rates, a permanent criminal record, and difficulty finding employment. This is why it’s crucial to seek legal representation from a skilled DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible if you’ve been charged with a DUI related to prescription medications.
Common Defenses Against Prescription Medication DUI Charges
Defending against DUI charges involving prescription medications requires a nuanced approach. A knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer in Maryland can employ several strategies to challenge the charges:
- Lack of Impairment: One of the most effective defenses is demonstrating that, despite the presence of prescription medication in your system, you were not impaired at the time of driving. This may involve challenging the results of field sobriety tests, DRE evaluations, or the interpretation of blood test results.
- Improper Procedure: If law enforcement officers failed to follow proper procedures during the arrest or testing process, your lawyer could argue that the evidence against you is inadmissible. This could include failure to administer Miranda rights, improper field sobriety test administration, or lack of probable cause for the traffic stop.
- Prescription Defense: Your lawyer might argue that you were taking the medication as prescribed by a doctor, and there was no warning that the medication could impair your ability to drive. This defense can be particularly effective if you have a documented history of safely using the medication without incident.
- Alternative Explanations: In some cases, other factors such as fatigue, illness, or a pre-existing medical condition might explain any signs of impairment observed by law enforcement, rather than the influence of prescription medication.
Each case is unique, and the best defense strategy will depend on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can tailor a defense that fits your situation and aims to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Importance of Hiring a DUI Defense Lawyer in Prescription Medication Cases
Given the complexities involved in DUI cases related to prescription medications, having an experienced DUI defense lawyer by your side is crucial. A lawyer who understands both the legal and medical aspects of these cases can:
- Analyze the Evidence: Your lawyer will carefully review all the evidence against you, including police reports, test results, and witness statements, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Consult with Medical Experts: In some cases, your lawyer may consult with medical experts to provide testimony about the effects of your prescribed medication and whether it could have impaired your driving ability.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: In situations where the evidence is strong, your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce the charges or penalties, avoiding the most severe consequences of a DUI conviction.
- Represent You in Court: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, advocating on your behalf and presenting a strong defense to protect your rights.
Contact Maronick Law LLC for a Skilled DUI Defense Lawyer in Maryland
If you’re facing DUI charges in Maryland related to prescription medications, Maronick Law LLC is here to help. Our experienced DUI defense lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to defend your rights and minimize the impact on your life.
Call Maronick Law LLC at 443-551-2747 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. Don’t leave your future to chance—let us help you build a strong defense and protect your rights.