Prescription medications could be as dangerous as alcohol or illegal drugs when getting behind the wheel, a lawyer has warned.
The Pennsylvanian law states that people could be guilty of a DUI if they are “under the influence of a drug or combination of drugs to a degree which impairs the individual’s ability to safely drive”. Lawyer Steven Kellis has advised drivers all over the US to check statutes in their states to ensure they are not breaking the law.
Steven, who was recently selected on to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers 2020 list, said that penalties for contravening the law were harsh. They are:
The prescription drugs that warn against driving and would find someone guilty of a DUI includes Xanax, Ativan, Ambien, Prozac, Oxycodone, Valium, Diazepam, and Lorazepam.
Kellis Law Firm’s spokesperson said: “It is frightening how many people do not realize that they are committing a crime when they get behind the wheel after taking any of these drugs. Their doctors should have warned them when the drugs were prescribed and there is guidance in the packets.
Many people do drive safely when they are taking such medication, but it is important to understand the dosages and timings of the dose to be able to drive. If not, they are putting themselves and others in danger and risking a conviction”.
“We have successfully defended many cases of DUI due to prescription medication, so it not necessarily game over straight away. Some of the defenses have included whether the police checkpoint was legal and whether the arrest was justified”.
“One of the most common defenses that I have found is the lack of evidence. Just because someone has a trace of the drug in their system, does not mean that they are under the influence. It can take a long time for some drugs to a breakdown in the system, so there might be traced in the blood for hours or even days. This is a key factor and could mean the difference between and a guilty and not guilty verdict.
“Some people think that they do not need a lawyer as they know they are just going to plead guilty to the charges. There are so many complex variables relating to a DUI suit that could help people to challenge their cases and receive a more favorable outcome.
“Any of these defenses and more can help to throw out the case, weaken the case or allow us to negotiate a more lenient charge or a plea deal. You see, there are options,” he added.
About The Law Offices of Steven Kellis
Steven Kellis has 25 years of experience working in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. The firm works solely with DUI cases and deals with every type of DUI. Steve Kellis has been named in the ‘Top 10 DUI Lawyers’ and the ‘Top 100 Trial Lawyers’.
Media ContactCompany Name: Law Offices of Steven KellisContact Person: Media RelationsEmail: Send EmailPhone: (215) 543-6566Address:1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd Suite 900 City: PhiladelphiaState: PA 19102Country: United StatesWebsite: https://www.pennsylvania-dui-lawyer.com
