You can get a DUI for driving on clonazepam in California, even if a doctor legally prescribed it to you. A driving under the influence offense doesn’t just apply to alcohol. It also covers any substance that affects your ability to drive safely, including prescription medications like clonazepam.
If you were charged with a DUI while using clonazepam (Klonopin), a Los Angeles DUI lawyer can explain your rights, challenge the charges in your case, and fight for a better outcome.
DUI cases involving prescription drugs can be complicated. A conviction can lead to jail time, a suspended license, fines, and a criminal record that could stay with you for years. The right legal help can make a difference in your case.
What Is Clonazepam, and How Can Using It Lead to a DUI?
Clonazepam is a prescription drug used to treat:
- Seizures
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety disorders
It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs slow down the brain and central nervous system. That’s why they are often used to help with stress and anxiety. However, that same effect can make it unsafe to drive.
Common brand names for clonazepam include:
- Klonopin®
- Rivotril® (outside the U.S.)
Even if your doctor prescribed the medication, it can still affect your driving. You may feel:
- Drowsy or dizzy
- Slowed down or uncoordinated
- Unable to concentrate
These symptoms can affect your ability to drive and may lead to a DUI arrest if law enforcement believes you are too impaired to drive safely.
How Can You Get a DUI for a Prescription Drug Like Clonazepam?
In California, DUI laws apply to more than just alcohol. Under California Vehicle Code § 23152(f), it is illegal to drive under the influence of any drug, including legal prescriptions, if it impairs your driving.
A clonazepam DUI can happen in various ways, including if:
- You are pulled over for swerving, speeding, or driving erratically.
- The officer suspects you are operating a vehicle while under the influence.
- You admit to taking clonazepam or show signs of impairment.
- A blood or urine test shows the drug is in your system.
- Law enforcement arrests and charges you with DUI.
Even though clonazepam is legal with a prescription from a licensed medical professional, it can still cause impairment. That’s what the law looks at, whether the drug affects your driving, not why it’s in your system.
What Makes These Cases More Complex?
A DUI involving clonazepam isn’t always clear-cut. Here are a few reasons why:
- There is no set legal “limit” for prescription drugs like there is for alcohol.
- You may not know the drug is affecting you, especially if you take it as part of your daily routine.
- The drug may be combined with other substances, making things worse.
- Prescription drug DUIs often rely on the opinions of police officers, not solid numbers like BAC (blood alcohol concentration).
That means your lawyer can question many parts of the case, such as how the arrest was made, how the drug test was handled, or whether you were actually impaired at all.
Possible Penalties for a Clonazepam DUI Offense in California
The consequences for a DUI involving clonazepam are serious and may include:
- Fines and fees: These can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Jail time: First offenses may include jail, and later offenses almost always do.
- License suspension: You could lose your ability to drive for months or longer.
- Probation: Many people must complete DUI programs or counseling.
- Criminal record: A conviction can stay on your record for years and affect your job, insurance, or housing.
If you have past DUIs or if someone was injured while you were driving on clonazepam, the penalties can be even more severe.
How a DUI Lawyer Can Fight the Charges You Are Facing
A DUI lawyer can fight your case in many ways. They may:
- Show that the officer had no legal reason to pull you over.
- Question the accuracy or handling of your drug test.
- Argue that you weren’t actually impaired, even if the drug was in your system.
- Prove you were taking clonazepam as prescribed and were not warned that it could affect your driving.
Each case is different, but having a criminal defense attorney on your side gives you a chance at a reduced charge, dismissal, or not guilty verdict.
How Long Does a Clonazepam DUI Stay on Your Record?
In California, a DUI conviction typically stays on your criminal record for 10 years. That includes DUIs involving drugs like clonazepam. This can affect your driving record, your ability to get insurance, and your future in general.
That’s why fighting the charge is so important. A lawyer may be able to help you avoid a conviction or reduce the charge to something less damaging.
What to Do if You’re Charged With a DUI Involving a Prescription Drug
If you’ve been arrested or charged:
- Say as little as possible: Do not talk to the police about your medication without a lawyer present.
- Don’t admit guilt: Even if you were taking clonazepam legally, do not assume you will be found guilty.
- Write down what happened: Details fade fast. Make a note of everything you remember about the stop and arrest.
- Keep any medical records: Prescription notes or dosage instructions could help your case.
- Talk to a lawyer fast: DUI cases move quickly in California. You may only have days to protect your license or respond to charges.
Charged With a DUI for Clonazepam? Get Legal Help Today
Being charged with a DUI for driving on clonazepam can turn your life upside down. But help is available. An attorney with decades of experience can challenge the charges against you.
Don’t wait to get legal help. Every day matters in a DUI case. Get connected with someone who understands the law and knows how to fight back. Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today to get connected to a local lawyer for a free consultation.
