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HOW TO GET A DUI WITHOUT DRINKING A DROP OF ALCOHOL

Michael Cohen • September 27, 2019
DUI — Eau Claire, WI — Cohen Law Offices
The term DUI is often synonymous with drunk driving and leads people to think about getting in trouble for driving after drinking alcohol. In reality, DUI stands for driving under the influence, and this influence does not limit its definition to alcohol alone. Any substance that could cause you to engage in unsafe driving behavior can be considered grounds for a DUI if it is found in your system. Here are a few of the more common ways a person might be charged with a DUI despite them not having ingested any alcohol:

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Although it’s sanctioned by your physician, prescription medications are still considered drugs. If you look closely at the warning label on your pill bottle, you will see that many of these drugs have a notation stating that it is dangerous to drive while under the influence of this substance. While it makes sense that you still need to maintain your health by taking your prescriptions, a little extra care needs to be exercised when driving.

ILLEGAL DRUGS

Any street drug found in your system while you are driving is immediate grounds for a DUI charge. Due to the jarring effects of many drugs like cocaine, morphine, and LSD, there is no question that driving after having taken one of these substances would create a dangerous situation.

OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS

In the same vein of prescription drugs, over the counter medications might seem harmless because anyone can buy them to treat their symptoms. However, some formulations for allergies or colds can tend to make people very drowsy. If you are highly sensitive to the side effects of medication and choose to drive regardless, it could be grounds for a DUI.

MARIJUANA USE

While marijuana is becoming legal in many states for medical and recreational purposes, it is still illegal in Wisconsin for any purpose. Whether you are in The Badger State or not, driving under the influence of cannabis is considered unsafe and could result in receiving a DUI. Similar to over the counter medications, certain states that allow recreational usage still caution against the mixture of marijuana’s side effects and operating a motor vehicle.

Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI even if you hadn’t had a single thing to drink? Contact Cohen Law Offices today. We will work with you regarding your DUI charges and get you back to your daily life in no time.
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