When most people think of a DWI, their minds go straight to open beer bottles on the floor of their vehicle. But the reality is that you can be charged with a DWI while under the influence of any type of drug, including prescription medicine.
For a prosecutor to prove a DWI, they must prove:
1. You drove a vehicle
2. On any highway, street, or public vehicular area in North Carolina
3. You were under the influence of an impairing substance
Driving a vehicle
The prosecutor has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the one in the driver’s seat at the time of the offense.
Public Vehicular Areas
For DWI purposes, the offense must have occurred on a public street or public vehicular area. These areas can include: park grounds, privately-maintained roadways within a trailer park, and even parking lots.
Impairing Substances
An impairing substance is any alcohol, controlled substance under Chapter 90, or any drug or psychoactive substance capable of impairing a person’s physical or mental faculties. Anything ingested than has the possibility of diminishing or weakening your physical or mental states falls under the definition of an “impairing substance” for a DWI.
But What if I have a Prescription?
In North Carolina, you can be charged with a DUI with prescription medication if it can impair your mental faculties. You should consult your doctor about any potentially intoxicating effects of any medicines prescribed to you and how they could affect your driving abilities.
Contact DWI Attorney Lindsey Granados for Help Today
Have you or someone you know been charged with a DWI? Contact Granados Law Group, PLLC, Attorney Lindsey Granados can help! Lindsey is an experienced DWI attorney located in North Carolina. Lindsey has defended numerous DWI clients and knows that a conviction can seriously impact your life. Let Lindsey answer any questions you may have about your DWI charge. Our office is located in Cary, NC and we handle Wake County and surrounding area DWI charges. Call Lindsey at (919) 650-2851 for a free consultation.
