When Prescription Meds Lead to a Drug Arrest
In Oklahoma, even legal use of a prescription medication can lead to a drug arrest. The strict laws here state that any impairment caused by prescription meds could give police grounds to arrest you if you are driving.
Oklahoma law prohibits driving while intoxicated and driving while impaired by certain substances. There are two laws that explain the prohibitions. One says that driving while “under the influence of any intoxicating substance other than alcohol which may render such person incapable of safely driving or operating a motor vehicle” is illegal. 47 O.S. § 11-902. Prescription drugs could be intoxicating substances. In particular, some prescription meds lead to dizziness, faintness, motor impairments, or other issues that may affect driving.
The second law says that operating a vehicle while your “ability to operate such motor vehicle is impaired by the consumption of … any other substance, other than alcohol, which is capable of being ingested, inhaled, injected or absorbed into the human body and is capable of adversely affecting the central nervous system, vision, hearing or other sensory or motor functions” is illegal. 47 O.S. § 761. This law restricts driving while your ability to drive is impaired by prescription meds that negatively impact your senses or movements. Again, many prescription drugs have side effects that could lead to impairment.
In addition to driving-related arrests, prescription medication can lead to other criminal charges. For example, you cannot use a prescription medication if the meds are prescribed to someone else. You cannot forge prescriptions. You cannot sell or distribute your prescription meds to others. And you may be charged with a crime if you assault someone else or damage property while under the influence of a prescription drug.
If you have been accused of a prescription-drug-related crime in Oklahoma, you need legal advice. Oklahoma is cracking down on illegal use of prescription drugs, and the DUI laws are strict too. Do not risk jail time or losing your license permanently because you took your meds as prescribed. Seek out legal help today.
Need an attorney for drug charges in Oklahoma? Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor, has the experience and the insight to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.