You can get a DUI for driving on Adderall in the state of California. However, instead of getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you’ll be charged with driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). Although individuals prescribed Adderall take the drug to focus on daily activities, Adderall can have side effects such as fatigue and drowsiness.
If your driving is affected by Adderall’s side effects, you could get pulled over and charged with DUID. If that has happened to you, you’ll want to hire a skilled Los Angeles DUI lawyer. An experienced lawyer can build a strong criminal defense case for you and help you avoid a serious conviction.
Why You Can Get a DUI From Driving on Adderall and Other Medications
Many drivers assume that driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) charges are used to prosecute individuals who drive after using illicit substances. It’s true that drivers face DUID charges if they operate a vehicle after using drugs like heroin or cocaine.
However, you can also get a DUID for driving on Adderall and other certain prescription medications. Adderall is an example of a prescription medication that could result in DUID charges. This medication may make drivers drowsy. Drivers who feel fatigued may have slower reaction times and trouble concentrating on the road.
There are several other medications with similar effects to Adderall. You may also find yourself facing DUID charges if you drive after taking:
- Adzenys
- Focalin
- Ritalin
- Vyvanse
If you’ve been pulled over and charged with a DUID for driving under the influence of one of these medications or another prescription drug that causes impairing side effects, reach out to an attorney ASAP. A lawyer can determine if you can drive on Adderall in California and fight the charges you’re facing.
DUID Traffic Stops and Adderall Usage
If police suspect you are driving under the influence of drugs, you can get pulled over and charged with a DUID for driving on Adderall. After you are stopped, police officers may ask you to perform field sobriety tests. They may also perform drug testing. Generally, blood or urine tests are used if a police officer suspects you were driving under the influence of drugs.
You should know that Adderall generally remains in your bloodstream for around 24 hours. Traces of the medication may remain in your urine for up to three days. This means that evidence of medication use may remain even if you had not taken the medication for a long time before you drove.
A DUID lawyer in Los Angeles can attempt to dispute the results of a blood or urine test. They’ll gather evidence and work hard to show that you were not actually under the influence of Adderall while you were driving your vehicle. This could help you avoid a conviction in some cases.
Outcomes of a DUID Conviction for Adderall Use
If you get a DUID for driving on Adderall, you could face a number of serious penalties and consequences. In Los Angeles, the court system generally uses California Vehicle Code (VEH) §23152(f) to prosecute DUIDs. A first-time DUID conviction could result in any of the following outcomes:
- Jail time
- Probation
- High fines
- Driver’s license suspension
- Time in a drug education class
If this isn’t your first time getting charged with a DUID for driving on Adderall, you could face increased penalties. This is because all DUI and DUID charges are considered priorable in California. Convictions for a DUID remain on your driver’s record for around 10 years. Each conviction counts against you if you are arrested again.
Fortunately, you don’t have to try to handle these charges on your own. You may reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to get effective legal assistance. An attorney can explain the dangers of driving on Adderall in California and construct a strong defense case.
How to Resolve DUID Charges Involving Adderall
If you’ve been charged with a DUID for driving on Adderall, there are steps you can take to resolve your charges. First, you should reach out to a lawyer from a criminal defense firm in Los Angeles. An experienced attorney can take a look at your case and determine what your best course of action is.
Your lawyer can represent you during your arraignment hearing and work to keep your bail payment low. An attorney can also work to block the evidence there is against you to weaken the prosecutor’s case.
Ultimately, your lawyer will focus on getting your charges reduced or even dismissed. They’ll negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors and, if necessary, represent you in court. No matter how serious your charges are, you can count on a skilled attorney to protect you from a severe conviction.
Negotiating a Plea Bargain for DUID Adderall Charges
If you’re facing DUID charges after driving on Adderall, your attorney might pursue a plea deal for you. Accepting a plea deal involves agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge. This allows you to avoid the serious penalties associated with a DUID charge.
Your lawyer can meet with prosecutors to discuss the possibility of a plea bargain and negotiate a deal that protects your finances, future, and freedom. Reach out to a dedicated attorney today to learn more about getting your DUID charges reduced to a lesser offense.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Skilled DUID Attorney
Now that you know you can get a DUI for driving on Adderall, it’s time to hire a trusted Los Angeles DUI attorney who can represent your best interests throughout your defense case. Your lawyer will see your case through from start to finish and work hard to get the best outcome possible.
Contact us today to get the resources and legal advice you need to avoid a life-altering conviction. A dedicated attorney can meet with you to discuss your case, advise you on your legal options, and offer a more in-depth explanation of the question, “Can you drive on Adderall in California?”