Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Driving under the influence of drugs has emerged as a growing concern in Uniontown and across Fayette County, with related fatalities showing a troubling rise. While alcohol-related DUIs have traditionally been of significant concern, there’s been an alarming increase in incidents involving drug impairment behind the wheel. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to address this issue, frequently apprehending drivers suspected of drug use. Given the severe penalties tied to drug-related driving offenses, obtaining the services of an experienced Uniontown DUI lawyer, such as those at Logue Law Group, is crucial for building a strong legal defense.

What You Need to Know About Drug-Impaired Driving

Under the law, driving with controlled substances or their metabolites in your bloodstream, or having impaired driving abilities due to a combination of drugs and alcohol, can result in a DUI charge. The legal framework for drugged driving mirrors the guidelines for alcohol-related DUIs. Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize signs of impairment potentially jeopardizing road safety, such as erratic driving, failure to maintain lane discipline, or driving excessively below the speed limit. Upon pulling you over, officers assess physical cues like slurred speech or glassy eyes.

Further assessments may involve field sobriety tests, as well as blood or urine tests. Additionally, law enforcement often employs Drug Recognition Evaluators. These experts follow a structured, multi-step process to determine drug-related impairment. This includes examining signs like injection marks, abnormal pupil dilation, changes in blood pressure, and pulse rate. These evaluators even conduct unique field sobriety tests specifically designed for drug-related DUI cases.

Prescription Drugs and DUI

Even medications can lead to DUI charges if they impair your ability to drive. Consulting an experienced Uniontown criminal lawyer will help you fully understand these complexities. Prescription-drug-related DUIs are classified under the most severe level of the state’s three-tier system, leading to significant penalties, such as:

• First Offense
  • Up to 6 months in prison
  • Fines between $1,000 and $5,000
  • 1-year license suspension
  • Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school and possible participation in a treatment program
• Second Offense
  • Jail sentences from 90 days to 5 years
  • Fines ranging between $1,500 and $10,000
  • 18-month license suspension
  • Mandatory treatment and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a year
• Third Offense
  • Severe penalties of 1 to 5 years in prison
  • Fines from $2,500 to $10,000
  • 18-month license suspension
  • Mandatory use of an IID
  • Enrollment in a treatment program

These harsh consequences can also lead to a criminal record, which can adversely affect future employment opportunities and escalate car insurance premiums. If the DUI incident involves accidents causing injury or death, additional civil lawsuits for damages may follow.

What to Do When Pulled Over by Police

If stopped for suspected drug-impaired driving, it is essential to handle the situation cautiously. Follow these steps:

• Do not attempt to walk away from the scene.
• Avoid admitting to consuming drugs or alcohol.
• Refuse to answer police questions or make any statements without the presence of a Uniontown DUI lawyer.

Potential Defenses for Drugged Driving Charges

An experienced Uniontown criminal lawyer will explore various defense strategies for your case, such as:

• Establishing that you were not the driver of the vehicle.
• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop or questioning the procedural validity of a DUI checkpoint.
• Demonstrating that you were not impaired by any drugs or alcohol.
• Proving that testing procedures were flawed or that the testing equipment was improperly calibrated.

How Logue Law Group Can Help You

Defending against drugged driving charges in Fayette County requires a knowledgeable and skilled attorney. A Uniontown DUI lawyer from Logue Law Group will assist you at every stage of the legal process, from building your defense to representing you in court. Their expertise ensures that you receive sound legal guidance tailored to your situation.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you’re facing charges for driving under the influence of drugs in Fayette County, don’t leave your future to chance. Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Uniontown criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group by contacting us online or calling (844) PITT-DUI Protect your rights and secure the best possible defense today!