Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

90:24 charge, no arrest, having reaction to prescription drugs, help??

I have been on several medications prescribed by my doctor for a while. Recently my doctor upped the dosages. while driving I had a reaction to one of the drugs and became very dizzy and double vision.

This is a listed possible side effect of all the medications, but the doctor was not concerned.

I pulled over and a cop pulled up behind me. he said someone called in and said I was swerving a lot.

I explained to him that I had just taken some medication, showed it to him, and i believed I was having a reaction to it.

I was not arrested, he had me have my car towed to a local garage, and he brought me to the police station to call for a ride.

Then when I was leaving he gave me a ticked mark 90 24, criminal application.

I sent it in for a hearing.

What do I do now???

I don't understand??


Asked on 3/30/09, 12:41 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys
Michael T. Dwyer LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL T. DWYER

Re: 90:24 charge, no arrest, having reaction to prescription drugs, help??

Since you have already asked for a hearing you should get a notice from the local court of a date. You should definetely hire a lawyer to rep you at this hearing. It is your chance to explain what happened etc and try to quash having a criminal complaint issue against you!

Mike Dwyer

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Answered on 3/30/09, 12:48 pm
Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: 90:24 charge, no arrest, having reaction to prescription drugs, help??

Mass Laws Ch 90, Sec. 24 is the statute for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Since you have been given the opportunity to have a Show Cause Hearing before a Clerk-Magistrate to determine if a criminal complaint should issue you should retain a good criminal defense attorney to attempt to dissuade the Clerk from issuing the complaint. Good Luck!

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Answered on 3/31/09, 5:43 pm
Risa Freeman Law Office of Risa Freeman

Re: 90:24 charge, no arrest, having reaction to prescription drugs, help??

You should hire a lawyer immediately. Feel free to call me to discuss your case.

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Answered on 3/30/09, 2:38 pm
Gregory Casale Gregory Casale Attorney At Law

Re: 90:24 charge, no arrest, having reaction to prescription drugs, help??

Mass Laws Ch 90, Sec. 24 is the statute for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You need not be arrested to be charged with a crime. You are actually very lucky that you have a Show Cause or Clerk's Hearing to determine if a criminal camplaint should issue. This is the time to hire a very good criminal defense attorney who specializes, as we do, in OUI/DWI charges. Its possible that your charge may be quashed before it ever issues. You only have one shot at this. Make sure you do not waste it. If you care to discuss this further or if you need representation, all of my contant information is available on my web site at www.LawWorcester.com

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Answered on 3/31/09, 6:59 am


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