CAN I GET A DWI IN MISSOURI FOR A PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION?

When people think of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Missouri, they usually think of alcohol or even marijuana. But what about prescription medications? Can you really be charged with DWI/DUI for taking medicine your doctor prescribed?

The answer is yes.

Missouri law makes it illegal to drive while impaired by any substance and that includes legally prescribed medications. If those medications affect your ability to drive safely, you could be arrested and charged with DWI.

If you have been charged with a DWI or DUI in Missouri for driving under the influence of prescription medications, you have options and hiring an experienced Kansas City DWI defense attorney is the first thing you need to do. Call Speeding Ticket KC today.

MISSOURI DUI LAW COVERS MORE THAN ALCOHOL

Missouri Revised Statute 577.010 prohibits operating a motor vehicle while “in an intoxicated condition.” The law doesn’t just mention alcohol. It specifically includes:

• Illegal drugs
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter drugs

If a substance impairs your ability to operate a vehicle, you can face a DUI charge, even if you took it exactly as prescribed.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS CAN TRIGGER DWI/DUI CHARGES

Many common prescriptions can impair driving ability. Examples include:

• Opioid painkillers (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone)
• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan)
• Muscle relaxants (Soma, Flexeril)
• Sleep medications (Ambien, Lunesta)
• Certain antidepressants and antipsychotics

Even some over-the-counter drugs, like sleep aids or strong cold medicines, can lead to impairment and a DUI arrest.

HOW POLICE DETERMINE IMPAIRMENT

Unlike alcohol-related DWIs, where a breath test provides a number, prescription-related DUIs are less clear. Police may rely on:

• Observations of erratic driving behavior.
• Results of field sobriety tests.
• Statements you make about medication use.
• Blood or urine tests ordered after the arrest.

This can make prescription DUI cases more subjective and more open to challenge with the help of a skilled Missouri DWI lawyer.

PENALTIES FOR A PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION DWI/DUI IN MISSOURI

The penalties are the same as alcohol-related DUIs:

• First Offense (Class B Misdemeanor):
• Up to 6 months in jail.
• Fines up to $1,000.
• 8 points on your license.
• 90-day license suspension.
• Repeat Offenses or Aggravating Factors:
• Felony charges.
• Longer jail or prison time.
• Years-long license revocation.

A DUI conviction also stays on your record and can affect employment, insurance rates, and professional licensing.

DEFENSES IN PRESCRIPTION DWI/DUI CASES

An experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyer may raise defenses such as:

Improper testing procedures: Was the blood test accurate? Was the chain of custody maintained?

Lack of proof of impairment: Detecting medication in your system doesn’t automatically mean you were impaired.

Unlawful stop: If the officer lacked probable cause to pull you over, the case may be dismissed.

Medical necessity: If you were taking prescribed medication as directed, your lawyer can argue there was no intent to drive impaired.

WHY YOU NEED A KNOWLEDGEABLE MISSOURI DWI ATTORNEY ON YOUR SIDE

At Speeding Ticket KC, we know how to fight Missouri DUI charges, including those involving prescription medication. We will:

• Scrutinize the evidence for weaknesses.
• Challenge subjective observations made by police.
• Fight for reduced charges or dismissal.
• Work to protect your license and your record.

Prescription-related DUIs are highly defensible cases but only with the right legal strategy.

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY

Yes, you can be charged with DUI in Missouri for prescription medication if it impairs your driving. The penalties are just as serious as alcohol-related DWIs, with consequences that can affect your record and future. Call us today to start fighting your ticket before it’s too late.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI related to prescription drugs in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, don’t face it alone. Missouri traffic laws can be complicated, and one mistake can cost you for years. That’s why Speeding Ticket KC offers experienced, affordable representation for drivers facing tickets in Kansas City and beyond. We know how to negotiate with prosecutors, challenge the evidence, and get results.

Contact Speeding Ticket KC today. We’ll fight to protect your rights, your license, and your future.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.