Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs is a serious offense that poses significant risks to road safety and public health. While alcohol-related DUI incidents are longstanding concerns, Somerset has seen a noticeable increase in traffic fatalities tied to drug impairment. The local police are focused on apprehending individuals driving under the influence of drugs, applying strict penalties to deter such behavior. If charged, it is essential to have a knowledgeable legal advocate by your side, such as a skilled Somerset DUI attorney who can build a strong defense strategy for your case.

What You Need to Know About Drugged Driving in Somerset

Under Pennsylvania law, driving under the influence of controlled substances or their metabolites, as well as a combination of drugs and alcohol that impairs your driving ability, can result in a DUI charge. These drug-related DUI laws are nearly identical to those for drunk driving.

Law enforcement officers are trained to spot signs of impairment that jeopardize road safety. These signs might include:

• Weaving between traffic lanes
• Driving at erratic speeds or significantly below the speed limit
• Failing to maintain a safe following distance

If you are pulled over, officers will also assess for physical symptoms of impairment, such as glassy eyes, slurred speech, or inconsistent responses. Beyond field sobriety tests, officers may conduct blood or urine tests to confirm drug presence. Additionally, Drug Recognition Evaluators (DREs) may participate in investigations. DREs use a multi-step process to identify drug impairment, examining injection marks, pupil dilation, pulse rate, blood pressure, and other physical indicators. They also perform sobriety tests tailored specifically for drug-related DUI assessment.

Penalties for a Drugged Driving Conviction

Drug-related DUI convictions fall under the highest tier of penalties in Pennsylvania’s legal system. The repercussions are significant and become more severe with repeated offenses.

First Offense

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

Second Offense

• Sentence of 90 days to five years in prison
• Fines between $1,500 and $10,000
• 18-month driver’s license suspension
• Compulsory enrollment in a highway safety program
• Treatment program participation
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year

Third Offense

• Prison term ranging from one to five years
• Fines from $2,500 to $10,000
• 18-month driver’s license suspension
• Compulsory IID installation for one year
• Mandatory treatment program

Beyond these penalties, a DUI conviction may leave you with a permanent criminal record. This record can hurt your career opportunities, increase your car insurance premiums, and, in the event of an accident causing injury or death, expose you to additional civil litigation for damages.

For detailed case guidance, consulting a Somerset criminal lawyer can be pivotal in safeguarding your rights and minimizing penalties.

What to Do If the Police Pull You Over

Knowing how to handle the situation when stopped by law enforcement is critical. Follow these steps to help protect yourself:

1. Do not walk away from the arrest. Resisting or fleeing can escalate the charges against you.
2. Avoid making incriminating statements. Do not admit to consuming alcohol or taking drugs.
3. Refrain from answering any questions. Politely inform the officer that you will not answer questions without your attorney present.
4. Stay calm and comply with officer instructions. Aggressive behavior may negatively impact your case.

Understanding your rights is essential. A trustworthy Somerset criminal lawyer can provide instant legal advice when you’re unsure of what to do.

Building a Defense for Drugged Driving Charges

If you are charged with drugged driving, your Somerset DUI attorney will explore every possible avenue to defend you. Common defense strategies may include:

• Evidence that you were not driving the vehicle
• Proving the traffic stop was unlawful
• Challenging the reliability of sobriety or drug tests, including calibration issues with testing equipment
• Demonstrating that observed impairment signs were caused by medical conditions or unrelated factors

Your lawyer will build a robust defense tailored to your case, ensuring your rights are upheld at every turn.

How Your Somerset DUI Attorney Can Help

Facing drugged driving charges is overwhelming, but an experienced Somerset DUI attorney will guide you at every stage of your case. This includes:

• Explaining the charges and potential penalties
• Reviewing the evidence against you, including test results and police reports
• Navigating pre-trial proceedings and representing you in court
• Negotiating plea deals when beneficial or, if necessary, preparing for trial

It’s crucial to have a dedicated advocate who can fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

For a free consultation with a knowledgeable Somerset criminal lawyer, reach out to Logue Law Group today. Contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI to take the first step toward protecting your future.