Prescription drug use can lead to a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Tacoma. Under Washington law, a person may be considered to be under the influence of legal drugs if their medication impairs his or her ability to drive to an appreciable degree.
If you are facing DUI charges due to prescription drugs in Washington state, the Law Office of Mark S. Treyz will fight to protect you. Our Tacoma prescription drug DUI attorney will advocate aggressively for your side of the story and work to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf. Contact us today.
Why Choose the Law Office of Mark S. Treyz
- In his over 30 years of practice, our attorney Mark S. Treyz has successfully negotiated and tried thousands of criminal cases.
- Our firm is a small, personal practice that provides personalized attention to every client. We will maintain a direct line of communication with you throughout your case.
- We understand that legal representation can be expensive. We offer flexible and reasonable payment terms to ensure that our services are affordable for all clients.
Can You Get a DUI While Taking Prescription Drugs?
In Washington, it is highly illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs. However, few people realize that even legal prescription drugs may lead to a DUI conviction, not just illegal substances.
According to RCW 46.61.502, a person is guilty of driving under the influence if any of the following are true.
- The person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher within two hours after driving.
- The person has a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher within two hours after driving.
- The person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug, or the combined influence of any of these substances.
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs are considered to be intoxicating because these substances impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving, leading to side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. If a driver takes a prescription drug and experiences these symptoms while behind the wheel, the risk of an accident is heightened.
Potential Penalties for DUI in Washington
A DUI conviction can significantly impact your life. Washington carries strict penalties for this crime based on the number of previous offenses and other aggravating factors, such as a refusal to take a breath or blood test.
The maximum penalty for a first-time DUI conviction is up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $5,000. Defendants may also face additional penalties like electronic home monitoring, driver’s license revocation, probation, alcohol or drug treatment programs, or the installation of an ignition interlock device.
If you are facing a DUI conviction, it is important to seek the help of an attorney as soon as possible. These charges can impact your freedom, your ability to find work or housing, and your relationships with loved ones. A lawyer can defend you against these charges and fight for your optimal outcome, based on the circumstances surrounding your case.
Contact a Tacoma Prescription Drug DUI Attorney
If you are facing prescription drug DUI charges, you need an attorney on your side. In these situations, trust the Tacoma Prescription DUI Attorney Law Office of Mark S. Treyz to fight for your best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and strategize your next steps.