Driving while under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, is illegal in Texas. The legal definition of intoxication in Texas is having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, or not having the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to the introduction of drugs or alcohol into your body. This means that even if you have a valid prescription for a medication, you can still be arrested for DWI if it impairs your ability to drive.
It is important to understand that just because a medication is prescribed by a doctor, it does not mean it is safe to drive while taking it. Some prescription medications, such as sedatives and painkillers, can cause drowsiness, slow reaction times, and other side effects that can impair driving.
If you are stopped by the police and suspected of driving under the influence of prescription drugs, you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests. These tests are designed to measure your coordination, balance, and ability to follow instructions. The results of these tests can be used as evidence in court.
You may also be asked to provide a blood or urine sample to determine the presence of drugs in your system. It is important to know that in Texas, you can refuse to take a blood test, but this will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for 180 days.
If you are arrested for DWI due to prescription drugs, it is important to consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help you understand the charges against you, and develop a defense strategy to protect your rights and freedom.
San Antonio DWI Attorney Brad Thornton has years of experience with Driving While Intoxication offenses. He has given lectures and taught classes about the effects of both illicit and prescription drugs and trained law enforcement in DWI enforcement. Now in his role as a defense attorney, he puts that knowledge to use for his clients and can challenge the prosecution, their officers, and their experts every step of the way. Call today for a free consultation.