If a New Jersey police officer has reason to believe that you are driving while under the influence of a controlled substance, your vehicle may be stopped. During a traffic stop, that officer will look for any signs that you are operating a motor vehicle while impaired. These signs may include the presence of prescription pills inside your car.
What happens if pills are found in your car?
On its own, the presence of prescription pills in your car is unlikely to result in a DUI charge. However, you may be charged with a crime if the pills do not belong to you, and this may be true even if you aren’t driving while impaired. In the event that an officer finds other signs that you’re driving while under the influence of prescription medication, you can be charged with impaired driving.
What are the potential signs that a motorist is impaired?
Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and difficulty standing are common signs of drug or alcohol impairment. Other signs of drug or alcohol impairment include extreme drowsiness or a disheveled appearance. In some cases, being in an especially good mood when interacting with an officer may be seen as a clue that you are under the influence of prescription medication. Finally, the result of field sobriety, blood or other tests may be used as justification for taking a motorist into custody on suspicion of drunk or impaired driving.
If you are charged with DUI, you could spend several hours or days in jail before seeing a judge or being allowed to post bail. You may also lose your license if you fail to comply with the state’s implied consent law. A conviction may result in additional jail time, a fine or other penalties.
