Why Driving Under The Influence Of Painkillers Is A Bad Idea

DUIs, especially DUIs with illegal substances or alcohol are never good. Additionally, a DUI as the result of a prescription medicine is just as bad, since the prescribing doctor gave you medication and the label clearly states a warning about taking it and driving or operating a vehicle. Take painkillers for instance. Taking them and driving is a really bad idea, and not just because of the potential of getting caught and given a DUI ticket and points off your license. Here are some reasons why, and what your DUI attorney may be able to do for you under these circumstances.

Painkillers Can Make You Feel Invincible

The biggest problem with prescription painkillers is that they can make you feel invincible. Feeling invincible leads you to do things you would not ordinarily do, nor would you want to. Taking pills in excess of what the bottle says you should also elevates your mood and gives you false ideas of what is safe and not safe. If your DUI is the result of consuming too many pills, your lawyer may have a tough case ahead. If your DUI is the result of choosing to drive after taking a prescribed dose despite the warning on the label, that may be a slightly easier case.

You May Not Feel Any Pain When You Get into a Car Accident

Another problem with taking painkillers and driving is that when you get into a car accident, you may not feel any pain. Not feeling anything means that you may refuse to go to the hospital or be treated, resulting in near fatalities or death. Causing others injury and pain in an accident while under the influence of painkillers may also result in your inability to feel empathy and be genuinely sorry/apologetic, which leads to criminal charges and another lawsuit of a different sort. 

What Actions Your DUI Lawyer May Take

Your lawyer may defend you to get your sentence and/or ticket reduced. He/she may base the case on the fact that you are only supposed to be on painkillers for a short time, and then you are done with them. This shows that your short-term lack of proper decision-making is a one-time thing, and the judge may be lenient with you. The judge may also be lenient if the rest of driving and criminal records reflect that you have never had a DUI before and you are not the type to do this kind of thing often.

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