Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Fighting DUI Charges for Over-the-Counter Medications in DuPage County, Illinois
Many drivers in DuPage County are surprised to learn that over-the-counter (OTC) medications can result in a DUI arrest just like alcohol or illegal drugs. Illinois law treats all forms of impairment the same, meaning a person can be charged under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 if an officer believes their ability to drive has been affected by cough medicine, allergy relief pills, pain relievers, or sleep aids.
In cities like Wheaton, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Downers Grove, law enforcement officers are trained to detect signs of impairment. If a driver appears drowsy, slow to react, or unable to maintain control of their vehicle, a traffic stop may quickly escalate into field sobriety testing, chemical testing, and ultimately an arrest.
