If you are taking prescription drugs, please be aware that you can be charged and convicted of a DUI - and you can even face jail and a suspended license.

If you are using any prescription that causes drowsiness or dizziness, please do NOT drive because you can be charged with a DUI even if you have small amounts of narcotics in your system.

There are even more complications when you drink alcohol while you are taking medication. It is impossible to know what effects the alcohol and medication will have in your system and the consequences of driving after consuming alcohol with medication can turn deadly and you can be charged with a felony DUI if you injure or kill someone as a result of your driving.

As one writer to DEAR ABBY is finding out the hard way:

DEAR ABBY: I am normally a law-abiding citizen. I was pulled over a half-block away from picking up my son and charged with DUI.

I don't dispute the facts, but I didn't injure anyone. I had taken prescription meds (the meds did have warnings) in addition to having drunk three beers two hours earlier. I hurt myself and my son, because he needed me to pick him up. I didn't put anyone else in jeopardy. No one was physically hurt.

I did not contest that I should lose my license for a year, but I do contest jail time. I feel if they are going to put me in jail, they should have put away the men who rear-ended my sister and niece and caused them lasting injuries.

I don't deny my guilt. I suggest only that I am less guilty than others. Abby, what do you think? -- PULLED OVER SOMEWHERE IN THE USA

DEAR PULLED OVER: I think you are just as guilty as the individuals you mentioned, but because of pure luck you didn't cause anyone physical harm. What you did was irresponsible because it could have placed your son in jeopardy. Pointing at "the ones who got away" is a waste of time.

This unfortunate incident should serve as a reminder about the importance of reading the labels and following the directions on medications, and paying attention to the problems that can occur when they are mixed with alcohol.

If you are charged with a DUI, you should not try handling your case alone. Most people that use medication do not realize that the medication alone can result in a DUI.  But by contacting an experienced DUI lawyer, you may actually have a viable defense, thereby avoiding jail and a license suspension.

Thanks to www.theworldlink.com/