When people think of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges, they often associate them with alcohol. However, in Missouri, DWI laws extend beyond alcohol consumption to include impairment from drugs, even those prescribed by a doctor. While prescription medications are legally obtained and often essential for health, they can still affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Understanding how Missouri law treats prescription drug impairment and how it applies to DWI charges is crucial for anyone taking medications that may influence driving.
Under Missouri law, a DWI charge is based on impairment, meaning that any substance affecting a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely can lead to charges. This includes alcohol, illegal drugs, and legally prescribed medications. Missouri's statutes do not distinguish between types of substances; if a driver is impaired, they can be charged with DWI. Prescription drugs that impair judgment, slow reaction times, or cause drowsiness may affect a driver’s capabilities, making them a risk to themselves and others on the road.
Common medications that may lead to impairment include painkillers, anxiety medications, sleep aids, and certain antidepressants. Many of these drugs come with warnings against operating heavy machinery, including vehicles, while under their influence. If law enforcement believes that a driver’s impairment stems from prescription drugs, they may administer tests to determine whether the driver is capable of driving safely. Regardless of the legality of the prescription, drivers found to be impaired can still face DWI charges.
Determining impairment due to prescription drugs can be more complex than testing for alcohol. Missouri law enforcement officers often use field sobriety tests to evaluate a driver’s coordination and response times. If the officer suspects impairment, they may also request a blood or urine test to check for the presence of substances in the driver’s system. However, unlike alcohol, where specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels provide clear thresholds, prescription drugs lack a universal metric for measuring impairment, so officers rely on observations and behavioral indicators.
Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) are law enforcement officers trained to identify signs of impairment from various substances, including prescription drugs. A DRE may be called to assess the driver if initial signs suggest prescription drug involvement. Their evaluation considers factors like pupil dilation, speech patterns, and motor skills to determine whether the driver is impaired. While these tests don’t always provide conclusive proof of impairment, they can serve as evidence in a DWI case based on prescription drugs.
If you’ve been charged with a DWI due to prescription drug use, it’s essential to understand that having a valid prescription does not necessarily exempt you from liability. However, there are potential defenses available. One defense may involve proving that the medication was taken as prescribed and that impairment was minimal or unrelated to the medication. Consulting a DWI defense attorney can provide clarity on how to address a DWI charge under these circumstances.
An attorney can also examine the methods used by law enforcement to determine impairment. Field sobriety tests can be subjective, and the presence of a drug in the system does not always equate to impairment. With an experienced attorney, you may be able to challenge the reliability of the observations made by officers or the interpretation of test results, potentially reducing or dismissing the charge.
For those taking prescription medications that may affect driving, understanding potential side effects and practicing caution is essential. Reviewing your prescriptions with a healthcare provider can help identify any possible side effects, such as drowsiness or delayed reaction times, which may impair driving ability. If your medication includes warnings against operating machinery, it’s best to avoid driving until you are confident the effects have subsided.
Some people find it helpful to adjust their medication schedule to avoid driving when effects are strongest. For example, taking certain medications in the evening rather than before a morning commute may reduce impairment risks. Additionally, it’s wise to carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note explaining the necessity of your medication, should questions arise. These steps can help demonstrate that you are taking responsible measures to manage your medication safely, which may be beneficial if you ever face scrutiny from law enforcement.If you or someone you know has been charged with a DWI in Missouri involving prescription drugs, reach out to us. Our team is ready to provide legal guidance tailored to your situation and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.