Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Alcohol-related DUI offenses have historically been a primary cause of substance abuse fatalities on the roads of Harrisburg. However, in recent times, there has been a deeply concerning increase in traffic fatalities involving driver impairment due to drugs. The police force in Harrisburg is actively cracking down on this specific offense, frequently apprehending drug users who are found operating vehicles. The legal penalties for drug-related driving offenses are incredibly severe, making it absolutely essential to enlist the services of a seasoned legal professional who can provide a robust and aggressive defense.

What You Need to Know?

Under Pennsylvania law, if any controlled substances or their metabolites are discovered in your bloodstream, or if a combination of drugs and alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely, you can be charged with a DUI. It is important to note that the state laws in Pennsylvania pertaining to drugged driving closely mirror those for drunk driving. Law enforcement officers are rigorously trained to look for specific signs of impairment that jeopardize road safety, such as weaving between lanes, driving significantly below the speed limit, and failure to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. When you are pulled over, the police will assess physical signs of impairment, including glassy eyes and slurred speech. If you find yourself in this situation, contacting a Harrisburg DUI attorney immediately is critical to protecting your rights.

In addition to standard field sobriety tests and other chemical tests of blood and urine, the police may involve Drug Recognition Evaluators (DREs). These experts utilize a well-defined, multi-step program to determine if a driver is impaired by drugs. They also examine the suspect for physical signs of drug abuse, such as injection marks, and assess physiological factors like pupil dilation, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Moreover, the evaluation process includes a unique set of field sobriety tests specifically designed for drug-related DUI cases.

Consulting an experienced attorney reveals important insights about DUI charges related to prescription drugs. It is crucial to understand that even if you are impaired by medication legally prescribed to you, you can still be charged with DUI. Furthermore, it is vital to be aware that drug-related convictions fall under the highest level of a three-tier penalty system in Dauphin County, leading to stringent penalties. The complexity of these cases often requires the detailed attention to law that one might expect from a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer, ensuring every aspect of the statute is analyzed.

The penalties for these offenses include:

• First Offense – Up to six months in prison, fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, a one-year license suspension, and enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school. Additionally, the court may require participation in a treatment program.
• Second Offense – A sentence of 90 days to five years in prison, fines between $1,500 and $10,000, an 18-month license suspension, mandatory enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school, a treatment program, and the use of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a year.
• Third Offense – Severe repercussions including one to five years in prison, fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, an 18-month license suspension, a mandatory treatment program, and installation of an IID for one year.

Keep in mind that a DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record, potentially impacting your career and leading to increased car insurance premiums. If an accident resulting in injury or death occurs, the situation becomes more complex, as you may face additional civil court trials for damages. In these high-stakes scenarios, the guidance of a Harrisburg DUI attorney is indispensable to navigate the civil and criminal implications.

What to Do When Police Pulls You Over?

• Do not attempt to walk away from the arrest or the scene.
• Do not admit to consuming alcohol or taking drugs.
• Refrain from answering any questions or making statements without the presence of a skilled criminal lawyer.

Your Probable Defense

In cases involving driving under the influence of drugs, your Harrisburg DUI attorney will work to establish:

• You were not the driver of the vehicle.
• The stop was not lawful, and the DUI checkpoint failed to meet the necessary standards.
• You were not impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of driving.
• The test was conducted improperly, and the equipment was not calibrated.

How Your Lawyer Will Help You?

Navigating a driving under the influence of drugs charge requires the expertise of a skilled Drugged Driving Attorney in Harrisburg. Your attorney will provide guidance throughout every stage of your trial, offering the best legal counsel. The level of defense required is significant; often, the strategic approach mirrors the rigorous preparation undertaken by a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer when handling complex litigation.

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer from Logue Law Group, contact us online or call 412-387-6901.