Top

Can You Get a DUI From Over-The-Counter Medications?

Question: I was driving from my office in Cumming to my home in Woodstock, GA. I was working late to finish a big project we had with our offices in London and Mumbai. I had a bad cold for a few days and was really tired. I got pulled over by a Forsyth County deputy sheriff. He said I didn't stay in my lane and I was speeding. He asked if I'd been drinking. I said I didn't have anything to drink.

He made me do some physical tests outside my car. I tripped doing the tests. Then I got arrested for DUI. All I had taken was some NyQuil and other products for my cold. Can I get a DUI because I was on cold medicine?

Answer: You can get charged with a DUI if a law enforcement officer believes that you are a less safe driver because of the ingestion of alcohol or drugs. If you told the police officer that you had not been consuming alcohol but had taken cold medications the officer may have felt that the over-the-counter medications had caused impairment to such an extent that you were a less safe driver under Georgia law. Or he may not have believed you. You can be arrested for DUI drugs even if the drugs are taken pursuant to a prescription or if the drugs are non-prescription but cause impairment.

NyQuil products, as well as other cold and cough medications, contain antihistamines, hypnotics and alcohol. They can cause impaired driving in some individuals. We would be interested to know if you took a breath or blood test and it would be important to review the video of your interaction with the Forsyth deputy sheriff.

About Us

We at the Sherman Law Group also try to answer as many questions as possible on our blog. If you have a question, email it to us and we'll do our best to answer it. No names will be used. Speak to an experienced Forsyth County DUI lawyer at the Sherman Law Group. If you want to speak with an experienced Forsyth County DUI lawyer, please call us.

Categories: 
Related Posts
  • Comprehensive Guide to Treating Alcoholism: On the Road to Recovery and Legal Implications Read More
  • How Can a Police Officer Tell if Someone’s Been Smoking Marijuana? A Comprehensive Look at Marijuana DUI in Georgia Read More
  • The One-Leg Stand Test for DUI: A Crucial Field Sobriety Test in Forsyth County, Georgia Read More
/

Contact Our Offices

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (678) 712-8561.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.