Most people associate DUI cases with alcohol or illegal drugs, but did you know that prescription medications can also lead to a DUI charge? In Texas and many other states, driving under the influence of prescribed drugs—even when taken as directed—can result in serious legal consequences.
At the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall, we understand that many individuals facing prescription-related DUI charges had no intention of breaking the law. This article will explain how DUI laws apply to prescription medications, the potential consequences, and how our legal team can help protect your rights.
Can You Get a DUI from Prescription Medication?
Yes. In Texas, the Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) law applies to any substance that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely—including legally prescribed medications.
Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, a driver is considered intoxicated if:
✅ They lack normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, a drug, or a combination of both.
✅ They have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or above in alcohol-related cases.
Since there is no specific legal limit for prescription drugs like there is for alcohol, officers rely on field sobriety tests, drug recognition evaluations, and toxicology reports to determine impairment.
Prescription Medications That May Result in DUI Charges
Certain prescription medications are known to cause drowsiness, dizziness, and delayed reaction times—potentially leading to a DUI charge. These include:
- Painkillers (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine)
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan)
- Sleeping Pills (Ambien, Lunesta)
- Antidepressants (Trazodone, Zoloft, Prozac)
- Muscle Relaxers (Flexeril, Soma)
- ADHD Medications (Adderall, Ritalin)
Even if you have a valid prescription, driving while impaired by these medications can result in a DUI arrest.
Consequences of a DUI Case Involving Prescription Medications
A DUI involving prescription drugs in Texas carries the same penalties as one related to alcohol. Depending on whether it is your first offense or you have prior convictions, the consequences can be severe.
First-Time DUI with Prescription Drugs
- Fines up to $2,000
- Jail time (3 to 180 days)
- Driver’s license suspension (up to 1 year)
- DWI education program
Second DUI Offense
- Fines up to $4,000
- Jail time (30 days to 1 year)
- License suspension (up to 2 years)
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
Third DUI Offense (Felony DUI)
- Fines up to $10,000
- Prison time (2 to 10 years)
- Permanent criminal record
- License suspension (up to 2 years)
If a DUI leads to serious injury or death, the driver may face felony charges with more severe penalties.
Defending Against a Prescription Drug DUI Charge
At the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall, we fight aggressively to defend clients facing DUI charges involving prescription drugs. Possible defense strategies include:
✅ Challenging the traffic stop – If there was no reasonable suspicion to pull you over, the case could be dismissed.
✅ Questioning field sobriety test results – These tests are subjective and not always reliable for prescription drug cases.
✅ Proving lack of impairment – Having medication in your system does not automatically mean you were impaired.
✅ Medical necessity defense – If you were taking medication as prescribed and not impaired, we can argue against the charges.
Protect Your Future – Contact the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall
A DUI charge related to prescription medication can result in significant legal and professional repercussions. If you or a loved one has been arrested, don’t face the legal system alone.
📞 Call the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall today for a confidential consultation and expert defense.
