Austin Drug DWI Attorney
ATX Drug DWI Lawyer | Handling Drug DWI Charges | ATX Legal
Qualified Drug DWI Lawyer In Austin, TX
If you have been arrested for a drug-related DWI, it is important to note that you can be charged with driving while impaired even if you have not consumed alcohol. In Texas, if you drive while under the influence of drugs, a controlled substance, or marijuana, you can be charged with DWI (also known as DUI or drunk driving) just like you would be if you were impaired by alcohol.
It’s important to know that some prescription drugs are considered controlled substances. If you drive while even a small amount of these drugs is in your system, you could be arrested for DWI. Additionally, if you mix alcohol with prescription drugs or marijuana, you could also face a DWI charge, even if your blood-alcohol concentration is below the legal limit of 0.08. For example, atomoxetine, a medication used to manage ADHD symptoms by increasing attention and reducing restlessness and impulsiveness, can lead to a DWI charge if detected in your system.
A drugged driving conviction can result in various penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, community service, suspension of driver’s license, mandatory participation in DWI class and drug education or treatment, as well as increased insurance rates. It’s critical that you speak with a skilled Austin drug DWI lawyer as soon as possible if you’re facing these charges.
Understanding Drug DWI Charges
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges can be complex and serious, especially when it involves prescription medications like atomoxetine. Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While it is not a stimulant, it can still impact a person’s ability to drive safely. If you are taking atomoxetine and face a DWI charge, it is crucial to understand the laws and regulations surrounding prescription medication use and driving.
In some instances, a DWI charge may stem from the side effects of atomoxetine, such as drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience these side effects, it is essential to discuss them with your doctor and explore alternative treatment options. Additionally, to reduce the likelihood of experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. If you are charged with a DWI while on atomoxetine, seeking advice from a qualified attorney who understands the complexities of prescription medication use and driving laws is vital. This ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible defense.
Drug-Related DWI Defense In Austin, TX
The most common way for someone to be charged with a DWI is by driving after consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. Not everyone realizes that drugs can lead to a DWI as well. This can include illegal drugs such as cocaine or marijuana, but can even include prescription drugs with a valid prescription.
There is not a separate statute that gives police the authority to charge with drug DWI. Instead, let’s look at the elements of the regular DWI statute. The Prosecution must show beyond reasonable doubt that you: 1) Operated a motor vehicle 2) While intoxicated, 3) In a public place. Note that intoxicated means that you lost “the normal use of mental or physical faculties…by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body.” These cases can be complicated, but an experienced Austin drug DWI attorney will be able to help you better understand these charges and build the best defense tailored for your case. Proper dosing of prescription medications is crucial, and in case of a missed dose, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose to avoid doubling up on medication. Medications should be safely administered according to medical guidelines to avoid any potential risks.
In addition to a controlled substance, intoxication can occur because of a “drug” or “dangerous drug”. This includes prescription medications that are not illegal. Many people believe that if they take their drugs as prescribed, then they cannot be charged with a DWI, but this is not true. I have seen folks charged for a DWI for Xanax even when they can show that they took the drug in accordance with their prescription. Counter-intuitively, this is even true sometimes for medications that do not prohibit the operation of heavy machinery. As long as there is a warning somewhere on the bottle (and there almost always is), it can be used for a DWI. I have even heard of allergy medication as the basis for a DWI!
For a number of reasons, drug DWIs are more difficult for prosecutors to prove than alcohol DWIs. There is no breath test for drugs, and the blood tests need to be specially ordered. There is no “per se” level like .08 BAC above which intoxication can be assumed. Most importantly, most drug tests only show that drugs have been consumed at some point in a period of days or even weeks. This is a far cry from proof of intoxication since the effects may have worn off days ago.
Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs: Medication Affects
In Texas, if you have consumed any substance like alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances and it has caused you to lose normal use of mental or physical faculties, you can be charged with a DWI, even if you were operating your car without ever having consumed alcohol. Just taking drugs and operating a vehicle doesn’t necessarily result in a drug DWI charge. It depends on whether the drug affects your mental or physical abilities, like making you feel tired, lightheaded, or sleepy.
It’s important to note that in Texas, having the legal right to use a substance is not a defense if it impairs your driving ability. This means that even if you have a valid prescription from a doctor, you can still face a if the medication affects your driving. Abnormalities in blood vessels connected to the heart can influence the safety and effectiveness of medications, underscoring the importance of patient history regarding heart problems and structural issues. To avoid this, make sure to read the drug labels for warnings and side effects, and to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects. Individuals with high blood pressure should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking certain medications, as they can potentially increase blood pressure or cause dizziness.
Which Drugs Are Most Associated with Drug DWI Arrests? ADHD Symptoms
Prescription drugs are often involved in DWI cases, specifically when drivers are accused of driving while under the influence. The most common prescription drugs found in these cases include:
Xanax
Alprazolam
Soma
Vicodin
Ambien
Atomoxetine hydrochloride (used in treating ADHD)
It is worth noting that you can still get a DWI charge even if you only consumed over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol PM, cough medicine, cold medicine, and allergy medication if a police officer suspects impairment. If you are charged with driving under the influence of over-the-counter drugs, the penalties can be just as severe as those for alcohol intoxication. Even though these drugs are not classified as controlled substances, a conviction can still result in serious long-term consequences. It is recommended that you seek legal counsel from our experienced Austin drug DWI lawyer immediately if you are facing such charges.
Field Sobriety Tests and DWI
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are a series of physical and cognitive assessments used by law enforcement to determine if a driver is impaired. While these tests are typically associated with alcohol impairment, they can also detect impairment caused by prescription medications like atomoxetine. Some medications, like ATX-101, can be administered as an intravenous infusion, highlighting different methods of drug administration. If you are taking atomoxetine and are pulled over, it is essential to inform the officer about your medication use.
During an FST, the officer may ask you to perform tasks such as standing on one leg, walking a straight line, or following a moving object with your eyes. Atomoxetine can cause side effects that may make these tasks challenging. Informing the officer about your medication and any side effects you are experiencing is crucial, as this information can be pivotal in defending against a DWI charge. Your attorney can use this information to argue that your performance on the FST was affected by your medication, not by impairment.
Penalties for Drug-Related DWI in Texas: High Blood Pressure
If it’s your first time getting a DWI for drugs in Texas, you could face a Class B misdemeanor charge. If convicted, you may have to spend at least 72 hours but up to 180 days in jail. In addition, you could be fined up to $2,000. (Texas Penal Code Ann., Title 3, Chapter 12, Subchapter B, § 12.22). It is important to note that certain medications can have serious side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, and individuals with heart problems should consult their doctor to understand how the medication may affect their condition and what kind of monitoring may be necessary.
A Drugged DWI conviction requires a minimum jail sentence of six days if the driver had an open container of alcohol in his or her vehicle at the time of the arrest.
A second drugged DWI charge may result in a Class A misdemeanor charge, which is punishable upon conviction by a mandatory minimum term of 30 days in jail and a maximum of one year in jail and/or a fine not more than $4,000.
A third drugged DWI charge or a charge of Intoxication Assault from the use of drugs is a third-degree felony, which is punishable upon conviction by a term of two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
If drugs are involved in a deadly accident, the offender may be charged with Intoxication and Manslaughter as a second-degree felony. If convicted, the offender may face a prison sentence of two to 20 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Apart from this, there may be civil penalties, some of which may be ordered by the court. These penalties are separate from the criminal penalties and may include administrative sanctions.
Probation or community supervision
Community service
Automatic driver’s license suspension
Mandatory DWI class
Requirements to attend an approved drug education program
Drug assessment and drug treatment, if indicated Installation of an ignition interlock device
Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
Court costs
“Drug Recognition Experts” (DREs)
To attempt to show that the intoxication happened at the time of driving, police employ a “Drug Recognition Expert” or DRE. This is an officer who has been trained to recognize signs of intoxication from drugs. They will ask a series of questions and basically guess what drug the person is on. Most defense criminal attorneys know that DRE is junk science. Can some classroom hours prepare a person to recognize the specific drug taken and whether this drug is intoxicating? In obvious cases, maybe, but research has shown that DRE conclusions are little more than a hunch. Even so, Courts have allowed DRE testimony to come in to convict thousands of DWI defendants. I would advise anyone to refuse a DRE exam if ever presented with that situation.
It is also important to monitor blood pressure when taking medications that could impair driving, as these medications may increase blood pressure or induce side effects like dizziness or fainting. Discussing potential effects on health and medication efficacy with a doctor is crucial.
So, we’ve established that it is more difficult to prosecute Drug DWI cases. What does this mean for outcomes? Well, across the board, Drug DWI cases tend to have better outcomes for clients. There is almost always room to argue that the driver was not intoxicated. For that reason, prosecutors are often more willing to compromise and drop charges down to something like Obstructing a Roadway, or even a class C traffic ticket. If a compromise is not offered, I am more often comfortable taking the case to trial because reasonable doubt exists.
There are still a number of factors that still make a Drug DWI a difficult case for the defendant. Even though there is no “per se” level of intoxication, there are definitely higher levels that can be harder to explain. Were there multiple drugs in the system? How did the driver act when police pulled him or her over? Did she make incomprehensible statements? Did she know where she was and where she was going? Does she have a history of drug use and previous DWIs?
These are all factors that can increase the severity of penalties whether in a plea deal with the prosecutor or at trial. One method prosecutors use that is very effective is to bring in research showing that the cumulative effect of multiple drugs can amplify the effect of both drugs. This is an effective argument for a jury because most of us have either experienced the effects of certain drugs or had friends who have experienced them. It is an intuitively good argument and can be difficult to overcome when there are obvious signs of intoxication.
The Importance of Medical Expertise
When defending against a DWI charge related to prescription medication use, medical expertise is indispensable. A medical expert can provide testimony on how atomoxetine affects a person’s ability to drive safely. They can also review your medical history and offer an opinion on whether your medication use contributed to any alleged impairment.
In addition to medical expertise, working with an attorney who understands the intricacies of prescription medication use and driving laws is essential. An experienced attorney can navigate the legal system effectively and ensure your rights are protected. They can collaborate with medical experts to build a robust defense against a DWI charge.
Medical expertise is also crucial in the context of cancer treatment. For instance, a new drug called ATX-101 targets a molecular vulnerability shared by all types of cancer, the PCNA protein. Understanding the effects of ATX-101 on cancer cells and developing effective treatment regimens requires the knowledge and skills of medical experts.
In conclusion, medical expertise is vital in understanding the effects of prescription medications like atomoxetine on driving abilities. It is also essential in developing effective cancer treatments. By working with medical experts and experienced attorneys, individuals can ensure their rights are protected and achieve the best possible outcomes in their cases.
What Is The Difference Between DWI & Drug DWI in Texas?
Many people assume that driving under the influence of drugs constitutes a separate offense from drunk driving. However, under Texas law, both are treated equally. This implies that if you are apprehended for drug-related driving while intoxicated (DWI), you will confront the same consequences as you would with an alcohol-related DWI, which includes comparable punishments and the suspension of your driver’s license. After your arrest, it’s crucial to reach out to an Austin drug DWI lawyer immediately to begin developing your defense. Additionally, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any family history of heart problems, including sudden cardiac death, before starting any medication that could affect your cardiovascular health.
A DWI charge related to alcohol and one related to drugs differs in the way authorities have to provide evidence of your potential intoxication. Experts and police officers who specialize in drug-related DWIs are trained to look for specific drugs as evidence during a DWI arrest, these include:
Central Nervous System Depressants (ex. Alcohol, Barbiturates, Anxiety, and Depression Medication – Valium, Xanax, Librium, etc.)
Central Nervous System Stimulants (ex. Cocaine, Amphetamines, and Methamphetamine
Hallucinogens (ex. LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, MDMA/Ecstasy)
PCP or Phencyclidine
Narcotic Analgesics (ex. Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, Demerol, Methadone, Opium)
Inhalants (ex. Gasoline, Glue, Paint, Hairspray, etc.)
Cannabis (ex. Marijuana, Hashish, Cush, Marinol)
What Are The Defenses To Drug DWI Charges In Texas? Liver Disease
As touched upon earlier, the best defense against a drug DWI is usually to force the State to prove that the intoxication – if it happened at all – was not during the time of driving. A blood test with a positive for marijuana, for example, only shows that the driver smoked marijuana at some point in the last two weeks. It obviously would not have affected his driving if he had smoked two weeks ago. A skilled Austin drug DWI lawyer will point out the absence of DRE testimony, or call it into question if it exists.
Often, then, jurors must come to the conclusion that a driver is intoxicated by merely looking at the video and judging for themselves. Obviously, there is a spectrum here. A person passed out and slurring his words may be clearly intoxicated. But many cases are not so clear and we can get reasonable doubt. Sometimes I have to explain to clients that the argument that “I’m a better driver on cocaine!” isn’t going to work. Even if your senses are enhanced, the prosecutor will argue that it also increases your propensity for risk-taking and recklessness, and they’re probably right! If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, it is crucial to consult a doctor when taking medications, as this can lead to an accumulation of the medication in your system and potential side effects.
Why You Need an Experienced ATX Drug DWI Lawyer
If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) after taking atomoxetine, it is essential to seek the help of an experienced ATX drug DWI lawyer. Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, can impair your ability to drive, especially when taken in combination with other medications or substances. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the law and protect your rights.
An ATX drug DWI lawyer understands the nuances of cases involving prescription medications. They are well-versed in how medications like atomoxetine, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can affect your driving abilities. They can scrutinize the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and provide a robust defense tailored to your specific situation. This expertise is crucial in ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and precision.
Protecting Your Rights and Freedom
An ATX drug DWI lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences of a conviction. They can also help you develop a defense strategy that takes into account the unique circumstances of your case. For example, if you were taking atomoxetine as prescribed by your doctor to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), your lawyer may be able to argue that you were not impaired by the medication.
Additionally, an experienced lawyer can help you protect your freedom by negotiating with prosecutors to reduce the charges or penalties. They can also represent you in court and advocate on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected. This includes challenging the validity of field sobriety tests, questioning the reliability of drug recognition experts, and presenting medical evidence that supports your case. By leveraging their knowledge and experience, an ATX drug DWI lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Experienced Austin Drug DWI Lawyer Today
If you are charged with a drug DWI, it is especially important to have a good criminal defense attorney, because there are a number of areas where only a close inspection of the evidence will reveal holes in the State’s case. An attorney who is not paying close attention could miss an important detail that could have a big impact on the case. It’s recommended that you work with an Austin drug DWI lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. Contact ATX Legal today for a free case evaluation and begin building your defense.
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Conclusion
Atomoxetine is a powerful medication that can have serious side effects, including impaired driving ability. If you have been charged with DWI after taking atomoxetine, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced ATX drug DWI lawyer. They can help you protect your rights and freedom by developing a strong defense strategy and advocating on your behalf in court. Don’t risk your future by facing these charges alone – seek the help of a qualified lawyer today.
By working with an experienced ATX drug DWI lawyer, you can ensure that your case is handled with the expertise and attention it deserves. Whether you are dealing with the complexities of prescription medication use or the challenges of a DWI charge, having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make all the difference. Contact ATX Legal today for a free case evaluation and take the first step towards protecting your rights and securing your future.