Driving under the influence means more than just driving drunk. Under the influence in this day and age could mean almost anything, including perfectly legal prescription drugs if they have been abused. If you’re in a situation where you’re being charged with an offense of that nature, it’s important to understand Washington DUI laws if you’re going to mount a defense of any kind. That’s what we’re here for; to make sure you’re protected under Washington law from a potentially wrongful conviction.
When you receive a prescription from your doctor for a narcotic or other substance that could cause drowsiness or inhibit your judgment or motor skills, there will be a warning on the side of the bottle that tells you that. Your doctor should also let you know what the potential and probable side effects of the drug are going to be. Usually, they’re pretty good about that. There are instances, however, when someone on prescription medication might get behind the wheel of the car against doctors advice. Getting caught doing that can lead to a charge of driving under the influence.
In a courtroom, the definition of “Seattle impaired driving” will become an issue in the defense of a case like this. The argument on the part of the defense will no doubt involve the legality of the substance and the amount of it which was consumed. The prosecution will argue that impaired driving is impaired driving, no matter what the circumstances are. There are a number of different ways the case could go, not all of them good for you, so just not driving when taking the pills is your best bet.
Other instances of Washington DUI that we have seen in recent years involve drivers being under the influence of illegal narcotics. These cases are far more difficult than a simple drunken driving case. The possession of the narcotics themselves could mean an additional charge and the penalties could be severe. If you are in a situation like that, do not speak to the police until you have secured legal counsel. You’re in enough trouble. Don’t make it worse by saying something to incriminate yourself further.