While alcohol-based DUIs are often discussed and taken seriously, many people do not realize that drug DUIs are just as serious. The consequences for driving under DUIIf you have been charged with a drug DUI, speak with a skilled Mecklenburg County drug DUI lawyer. A determined DUI attorney could work diligently to mitigate the penalties you face.
DUI drug charges are somewhat frequent in Mecklenburg County as drug use increases across the country. Very often, DUI charges are drug-related or DUI charges can be as frequently drug-related as they are alcohol-related.
With that being said, it is difficult to specify the frequency with which people are convicted for DUI drug charges, as the prospects of an individual being convicted or acquitted at trial largely depend on the specific facts and issues in each individual case.
Individuals can be charged with driving under the influence of drugs under many different circumstances. Once a law enforcement officer has observed evidence of an individual being impaired or of erratic or improper driving, a law enforcement officer might make certain determinations that leads them to suspect an individual of driving under the influence of drugs.
From there, it is very difficult to determine whether or not an individual is actually impaired by drugs because it takes so long for a blood test to produce the blood test results. The officer often has to go on their instinct, their training and experience, and other indicators as to whether or not an individual may be impaired.
A drug DUI stop will be very similar to a standard DUI stop in that they will often include the occurrence of field sobriety tests. The individual will be asked many questions related to their possible impairment. The one way in which they are crucially different from alcohol-related DUI stops is that a breath test will usually end a standard DUI stop. However, a blood test is required to prove driving under the influence of drugs. The results of the blood test take far longer than a breath test, which produces an immediate result. That is the key difference between them. If an individual believes that the tests are inaccurate, their Mecklenburg County drug DUI lawyer could challenge the results and help the individual get independent testing done at a laboratory.
As a Mecklenburg County drug DUI attorney could explain, any kind of substance could lead to a drug DUI. That includes hard drugs like Schedule I drugs, including heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, but it could also include marijuana or prescription drugs. Even when taken within a valid and legal prescription, the side-effects can lead to behavior that might cause a law enforcement officer to begin a DUID investigation. Once that investigation has begun, it is very difficult to avoid being charged with a DUID.
Even over-the-counter medications, including allergy medicine, can cause an individual to be charged with a DUID. Just because the drug was available over the counter does not mean that an accused is immune from being prosecuted for a DUID charge.
Drug DUI convictions can have serious consequences for an individual which is why it is important to seek the services of a Mecklenburg County drug DUI lawyer. A skilled DUI attorney understands the severity of the situation and could work tirelessly to build your defense. Contact a lawyer today and know that you are in capable hands.