If You’ve Been Charged with DUI from Prescription Drugs, You’re Not Alone
Getting pulled over or arrested for driving under the influence of prescription drugs can feel confusing—and even unfair. You weren’t out partying. You were taking medication legally, probably something your doctor prescribed. Still, you're facing serious charges that can disrupt your career, your record, and your life.
At this moment, what matters most is knowing that you have the right to defend yourself—and that a conviction isn’t automatic. You deserve legal representation that understands the nuances of prescription medication DUIs and will fight to protect your future.
What Prescription Drug DUI Charges Really Mean
Prescription drugs are legal, but under Kentucky law, they can still trigger a DUI if they impair your ability to drive. That includes common medications like sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, opioids, or even some antidepressants. The problem? There's no clear legal limit like there is with alcohol. If an officer thinks you're impaired—even without a blood alcohol level—you can still be charged.
You might have taken your meds as directed. You might not have even realized the potential side effects. But none of that matters if prosecutors decide to press charges. That's why having a defense attorney who understands how these cases work is crucial.
How Your Body Reacts to Meds Could Impact Your Case
The way prescription drugs affect driving ability isn't the same for everyone. One dose could knock someone out—or barely register in another person. Metabolism, tolerance, and drug interactions all matter. So does the timing.
If you were charged after responsibly using your medication, there’s often more to the story. A skilled defense team can bring in medical evidence, question the arrest process, and push back on assumptions made by officers who aren’t trained in pharmacology.
Signs of Impairment: What Officers Look For—And Why They’re Not Always Right
Law enforcement tends to rely on physical signs—slurred speech, red eyes, poor coordination. But those signs can have many causes that have nothing to do with drug impairment. Fatigue. Medical conditions. Even anxiety from being pulled over.
What may look like impairment isn’t always proof of it. If you’ve been charged based on subjective observations or flawed roadside tests, your defense attorney needs to challenge those claims head-on.
Arrested? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you're facing DUI charges tied to a prescription, it’s time to protect yourself. Your first move should be to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. You don’t need to explain your prescriptions. You don’t need to prove anything to the officer on the side of the road.
An experienced criminal defense attorney will review the traffic stop, the evidence, the lab results (if any), and your medical history. If your medication was prescribed and taken responsibly, that needs to be part of your defense.
Your case is unique. So should be your defense.
Medical Records Can Make or Break a DUI Defense
One of the most powerful tools in a prescription drug DUI case? Your medical records. They can show that you were legally prescribed your medication, taking it as directed, and had no intent to break the law.
In some cases, your attorney might use medical experts to testify about how your medication works, how it was metabolized, or how certain symptoms were misunderstood by police. If you’ve been charged, ensure your lawyer is ready to work with these details.
You Deserve a Defense That Looks at the Whole Picture
If prescription drugs have led to DUI charges, that doesn't make you a criminal. It means you need smart, aggressive legal support—and fast.
At Oakley & Oakley, we fight for people across Lexington who’ve been charged in cases involving prescription medications, alcohol, or other alleged forms of impairment. We understand how stressful and isolating these charges can feel. You don’t have to face this alone.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Record
A prescription drug DUI can affect your license, your job, and your future—but it doesn’t have to define you. If you’ve been charged, call Oakley & Oakley at (859) 712-7365. We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and start building a defense that puts your rights and your story at the center.
The law may be complicated—but your defense shouldn’t be. Reach out now to fight back. Contact us online today!