Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

A Growing Concern in Waynesburg

Alcohol-related DUI has long been a significant cause of substance abuse-related fatalities. Recently, however, there has been an alarming rise in traffic accidents involving drug impairment. Local law enforcement in Waynesburg has ramped up its efforts to address this issue, frequently apprehending individuals driving under the influence of drugs. The penalties for such offenses in Pennsylvania are severe, making it imperative to seek legal counsel from an experienced DUI attorney to build a strong defense.

What You Need to Know About Drugged Driving

Under Pennsylvania law, you can be charged with DUI if you have controlled substances or their metabolites in your bloodstream or if your ability to drive is impaired due to drug and alcohol use. The state enforces drugged driving laws that are nearly identical to those governing alcohol-related DUIs. Law enforcement officers are extensively trained to detect signs of impairment that might endanger public safety, such as weaving, driving below the speed limit, or failing to maintain a safe following distance.

When pulled over, police officers assess physical signs of drug impairment, including glassy or red eyes, slurred speech, and impaired motor coordination. Alongside field sobriety tests, law enforcement may utilize Drug Recognition Evaluators (DREs). These specialists apply a systematic, multi-step protocol to determine if drug impairment is present. Their evaluation often includes checking for injection marks, pupil dilation, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Additionally, the process incorporates specialized field sobriety tests tailored for identifying drug-related DUI cases. So, if you’ve been caught for DUI, choose to stay calm and call your Waynesburg criminal lawyer right away!

Understanding Prescription Drugs and DUI

A consultation with an experienced Waynesburg criminal lawyer can help shed light on DUI charges pertaining to prescription medications. Importantly, even if a drug is legally prescribed, driving under its influence can still lead to DUI charges.

The penalties for drug-related DUIs in Pennsylvania fall within the most severe level of a three-tier system, leading to strict consequences, including:

First Offense

• Up to six months in prison
• Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
• One-year license suspension
• Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school
• Potential court-ordered participation in a treatment program

Second Offense

• 90 days to five years in prison
• Fines between $1,500 and $10,000
• 18-month license suspension
• Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school
• Required treatment program participation
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year

Third Offense

• One to five years in prison
• Fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000
• 18-month license suspension
• Mandated treatment program
• Installation of an IID for one year

Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can negatively impact your career prospects and lead to higher car insurance premiums. Additionally, if the DUI incident involves injury or loss of life, you may face further legal challenges, including civil lawsuits for damages.

What to Do If You’re Pulled Over

If an officer pulls you over and suspects drug impairment, here are some crucial steps to follow:

• Stay at the Scene: Never attempt to walk away from the traffic stop or arrest.
• Avoid Self-Incrimination: Do not admit to consuming alcohol or using drugs.
• Speak Wisely: Refrain from answering questions or making statements without a Waynesburg criminal lawyerpresent.

Remaining calm and knowing your rights will make a big difference in protecting yourself during such situations.

Your Defense Strategy

When facing a drugged driving charge, a skilled Waynesburg DUI attorney can employ various defense strategies, such as:

• Proving you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the stop
• Challenging the legality of the stop or the DUI checkpoint’s compliance with legal standards
• Demonstrating that you were not impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Arguing that the tests were improperly conducted, or the equipment used was not calibrated correctly

How a Waynesburg DUI Attorney Can Help

Navigating DUI charges involving drug impairment can be overwhelming. With the guidance of an experienced criminal lawyer, you’ll receive assistance at every stage of your case, from consultation to trial. Your attorney will work tirelessly to ensure you have the best defense possible, helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a qualified Waynesburg DUI attorney from Logue Law Group, contact us online or call us at (844) PITT-DUI. Protect your rights. Act now!