Prescription Drug OWI

OWI Defense Lawyers Representing Clients in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Throughout Michigan Facing Intoxicated with Prescription Drug Charges

While you may be aware that in Michigan, driving while impaired by potentially intoxicating drugs is illegal, you may not be aware that the laws apply to prescription medications as well as illegal street drugs. In fact, you could be charged with and convicted of OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), which is why it is critical you consult with an experienced, capable Michigan OWI lawyer. At Grabel & Associates, we fight aggressively on behalf of clients accused of operating a vehicle while under the influence of prescription drugs.

Which drugs are considered intoxicating substances? This is an area that for most, is unclear at best. A skilled OWI defense attorney will review your case and provide the support and guidance necessary throughout every stage of your case to guard against a wrongful conviction. Whether you have been charged with DUI, DWI, OUIL, OWPD, OWVI or OWI, we bring more than a decade of experience, skill, and positive results to the table. Widely known across the state of Michigan for securing positive results, we will fight vigorously to win your prescription medication intoxication case.

Michigan Driving and Substance Abuse Lawyer

You may be charged by police for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) if a prescription medication causes you to be intoxicated in Michigan. While failing a chemical (blood or urine) test is the most common way to determine whether drugs are present in your system, visible impairment is another offense you may be charged with even when chemical tests results reveal you are under the legal intoxication limit. Prosecutors and police are often vigorous in their pursuit to convict innocent people who are taking medications under the supervision of a physician, so be certain to consult with a qualified attorney if even the smallest amount of a prescription drug is detected in your system.

As mentioned earlier, some of the offenses you may be charged with include OWI, OWVI, and OWPD. OWPD, or Operating with the Presence of Drugs, may be the charge brought against you if you are found to have any amount, no matter how miniscule, of Cocaine or a Schedule 1 drug in your system. OWVI, or Operating While Visibly Impaired, is a charge that relates to an individual’s ability to drive being visibly impaired. OWI, or Operating While Intoxicated, may be the charge you face if the content of a drug or alcohol in your system is determined to substantially affect your ability to operate a vehicle in a safe manner.

Michigan Criminal Penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs

Physicians for various reasons prescribe certain medications; however, if you are caught driving while impaired after taking Oxycontin, Xanax, Percocet, Valium, Ambien or other medications, you may face serious criminal penalties. Even a first-time offender who is convicted of OUID or OWI could face driver's license suspension, fines of up to $500, mandatory community service, and as much as 90 days in jail. A second conviction within 7 years of the first could result in a one-year jail sentence, revocation of your driver's license, fines of up to $1,000, and more. An individual who is convicted of OUID, OWI, or OWPD for a third time at any point in his or her life will potentially face a 5 year prison sentence, fines of up to $5,000, and loss of his/her driving privilege for 5 years or even longer.

Contact Our Michigan OWI Law Firm Now

Unfortunately, many people are charged with criminal offenses related to driving while under the influence of prescription medications even though they had no idea that driving was off limits. Even so, you may feel that the charge against you is unwarranted due to the fact that your ability to drive was not impaired. We understand the frustration and stress of being charged with a crime when you feel that you have not done anything wrong, or when you were not aware of the fact that the medication you are taking could lead to criminal charges should you operate a vehicle.

At Grabel & Associates our team of Michigan criminal defense lawyers is ready to provide you with a vigorous, effective defense. We are available 24/7, and invite you to contact us today to learn how we can help. Call our toll-free number at 1-800-342-7896 to speak with a case consultant regarding your OWI, DUI, OUID, OWVI, or OWPD case.