When most of us think of DUI charges, alcohol often comes to mind. But in Oklahoma, DUI laws extend beyond just alcohol and illegal drugs—they cover legally prescribed medications as well. Many people in our state who rely on medications to manage pain, anxiety, sleep issues, or other conditions are shocked to find they can still be charged with a drug DUI in Oklahoma for driving under the influence of these substances. The truth is, DUI laws in Oklahoma don’t distinguish between illegal substances and prescription drugs when it comes to impaired driving. If your ability to drive is impaired by any substance, even legally prescribed medication, you could be facing a DUI charge.
Let’s walk through the specifics of Oklahoma’s laws on prescription drug DUIs and cover what steps to take if you’re charged.
Oklahoma’s DUI Laws and Prescription Medications
Under Oklahoma law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to drive safely. This includes alcohol, illegal drugs, and yes—prescription medications. According to Oklahoma law, it is illegal for any person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs that impair their physical or mental faculties. The statute doesn’t differentiate between controlled substances and legally prescribed drugs, so even if you’re taking medication exactly as prescribed, you could still be charged if you’re deemed impaired.
This law may seem harsh, but it reflects a growing concern over drug-impaired driving nationwide. Medications like opioids, benzodiazepines, and certain sleep aids are especially scrutinized, as they can severely impact coordination, reaction time, and decision-making. If law enforcement officers suspect you’re driving impaired by any substance, they have the authority to conduct field sobriety tests, make an arrest, and even request blood or urine tests to detect the presence of drugs in your system.
Prescription Drugs That Could Lead to a Drug DUI in Oklahoma
Not all medications have the potential to impair driving, but several classes of drugs commonly prescribed by doctors can affect motor skills and judgment. Here are some examples of prescription drugs that may lead to DUI charges if taken before driving:
- Opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine) are commonly prescribed for pain relief but can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired thinking.
- Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin) are used to manage anxiety and panic disorders but are known to slow reaction times and affect judgment.
- Sleep Aids (Ambien, Lunesta) may cause grogginess and delayed reaction times if taken too close to driving.
- Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin) prescribed for ADHD can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, and erratic behavior that may impair driving.
- Antidepressants (Zoloft, Prozac) are generally safe, but some may cause drowsiness or confusion in certain users.
The common thread with these medications is that, while they may be essential for treating specific health issues, they can also impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This puts drivers in a tricky position: you need these medications for your health, but they can leave you vulnerable to a DUI charge if law enforcement suspects impairment.
How Prescription Drug DUI Cases Are Handled in Oklahoma
When it comes to DUI charges for prescription medications, Oklahoma courts treat these cases similarly to alcohol-based DUIs. However, there are often additional challenges and nuances involved in proving impairment due to medication.
- Establishing Impairment: In many prescription drug DUI cases, the state must prove that the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle was impaired. Unlike alcohol, which has a measurable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level that serves as a standard for impairment, medications don’t have universal thresholds. This means the prosecution may rely on testimony from law enforcement officers about the driver’s behavior, results from field sobriety tests, and any blood or urine tests conducted.
- Defending Against a Prescription Drug DUI: Defending against a prescription drug DUI often requires demonstrating that you were taking the medication as prescribed and that it did not impair your ability to drive. Expert testimony from a medical professional can also be instrumental in explaining how your specific medication and dosage should not have resulted in impairment. Also, if you weren’t given a fair chance to explain your prescription or were subjected to improper testing procedures, those issues could serve as grounds for a defense.
- Penalties for Prescription Drug DUIs: Convictions for prescription drug DUIs carry severe consequences. Penalties may include jail time, fines, license suspension, mandatory drug and alcohol education classes, and probation. Repeat offenses increase the severity of penalties, with third and subsequent DUI offenses classified as felonies in Oklahoma. A felony conviction can have long-lasting effects on your life, including difficulty finding employment, housing, or professional licenses.
What to Do If You’re Facing a Prescription Drug DUI Charge in Oklahoma
Facing a DUI charge for taking prescribed medication can be overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
- First, consult an experienced DUI attorney who understands both Oklahoma DUI laws and the specific nuances of prescription medications. A skilled attorney will examine your arrest details, evaluate field sobriety tests, and assess any chemical testing conducted, building a defense strategy to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Next, gather all relevant documentation related to your prescription, such as the medication name, dosage, and prescribing doctor; a record of responsible medication use can further support your case. It’s also critical to know your rights—if there were any procedural violations, like improper searches or a failure to read your Miranda rights, your attorney can use these in your defense.
- Lastly, act quickly, as Oklahoma DUI cases move fast—you generally have just 15 days to contest a license suspension.
Get Overman Legal on Your Side
Prescription drug DUIs require a sophisticated legal defense handled by experienced experts. The Overman Legal team understands Oklahoma’s DUI laws inside and out, including the unique challenges of prescription medication cases. We’re committed to fighting for your rights, building a robust defense, and using every last resource to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Our results speak for themselves. If you’re facing a prescription drug DUI charge, don’t leave your future to chance.
Contact Overman Legal today for a free consultation.
