Don’t Drive while Taking Certain Prescription Medications

One of the things that people who are on medication need to be aware of is that some medicines can lead to a DUI charge. Notably, opiate drugs like methadone can make people extremely drowsy and incoherent.  This is just what happened to 47-year-old Karen Macchione of Tampa two years ago.

She was driving on the Suncoast Parkway when her pickup truck veered into a closed lane where workers were painting lane markers. The truck hit 28-year-old Steve Thompson Jr., who later died. Macchione claimed she wasn’t impaired and that a ringing cell phone caused the crash.

However, Florida Highway Patrol troopers testified that her speech was slurred after the crash, and she seemed to be having trouble staying awake. Later on, blood tests indicated that she had methadone in her system. As a result, Karen Macchione was convicted of DUI manslaughter. She has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

If the police suspect that you may be high on a drug and driving, they will take you to a police station for a blood draw to confirm it. This is an extremely strong piece of evidence. Learn what your medications do before you get behind the wheel. If you are charged, you will need an experienced DUI lawyer to help defend you in court. The law offices of Katz & Phillips is ready to take your case. We have years of experience fight in Florida courts for the rights of the accused. Call our offices for a free consultation.