Could legal Adderall use lead to a DUI charge?

On Behalf of | Nov 15, 2021 | Criminal Defense |

A person with a legal prescription for Adderall may use the drug as directed by a doctor. Arresting someone for possession of Adderall might not stand up in court when the accused presents proof of a valid prescription. However, there could be instances where taking Adderall and performing certain activities is unsafe. For example, those pulled over for erratic driving in Massachusetts might face DUI charges for using Adderall even with a legal prescription.

Adderall and its effects

Many doctors commonly prescribe Adderall to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Two drugs comprise Adderall, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, and the drug serves as a stimulant to the central nervous system. Like other drugs, Adderall could cause side effects, and some side effects might hamper the ability to drive safely.

Hallucinations are among the listed side effects, and anyone hallucinating while driving may face an increased risk for a crash. The drug might also increase aggression and paranoia. These side effects may contribute to road rage or distractions, two more issues that might lead to a collision.

Adderall and DUI charges

A percentage of users might suffer fatigue after “crashing” from Adderall, as some may feel tired after taking the drug. A fatigued driver may veer into oncoming traffic, leading to a head-on collision.

Law enforcement officers could pull a driver over and charge him or her with a DUI. Adderall use could serve as the basis for the criminal law complaint, but the charges might be difficult to prove.

Using Adderall is one thing. Being too impaired to drive is another. It might be possible to prove the driver was not intoxicated to a DUI’s legal threshold in court.

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