Everything You Need to Know About ‘Drugged Driving’ in Pennsylvania
You must be aware of the consequences of DUI after being drunk. However, did you know that driving under the influence of controlled substances, or drugged driving, can also attract severe penalties and charges in Pennsylvania?
In such cases, the type of controlled substance that you’ve taken heavily influences the penalties that you’re going to face. But, no matter what, you have the option to defend yourself and protect your rights. And that’s the reason why you should seek legal counsel from an expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyer if you ever find yourself in a similar scenario.
Let’s take a closer look.
A Glimpse at Drugged Driving
Drugged driving simply refers to the act of driving a vehicle after taking a controlled substance. The Pennsylvania Law states that a person shall not drive a vehicle if they have a controlled substance or metabolite in their bloodstream, regardless of when they took it.
This also means that you can be charged with drugged driving even days or weeks after taking the drug! That’s because some substances stay in your bloodstream for weeks. In fact, a person caught with a combination of alcohol and drugs in their bloodstream is qualified to be charged with a ‘drugged driving’ case!
That being said, let’s take a look at the possible signs that cops tend to watch out for drugged driving cases-
- Weaving
- Speeding
- Swerving
- Tailing another car too closely
- Driving too slowly
Now, if you are a first-time offender, you may face the following penalties for drugged driving-
- Imprisonment ranging from three days to six months.
- Fines ranging from $1,000- $5,000.
- Suspension of the driver’s license for a year.
- Attending a drug or alcohol treatment program.
What Substances Attract the Charges?
Now comes the most important part, where you get to know what type of substances attract the charges-
Schedule 1: Heroin, LSD, MDMA
Schedule 2: Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Oxytocin
Schedule 3: Anabolic Steroids, Ketamine, Vicodin
At this point, you may ask whether prescription drugs count or not. Well, yes, it does, only when the blood test shows that you have taken too high a dosage than what you were prescribed!
How Can a Legal Professional Help?
If you’re held for drugged driving, it will be wise for you to seek help from an expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
Why so?
Because only a knowledgeable Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can challenge the evidence and defend your rights by all means. Based on the factors concerning your case, a legal professional can proceed in defending your case under these grounds-
- Illegal search and seizure.
- Stopping without a reasonable cause.
- Inappropriate/ inaccurate chemical tests.
- Improper conduction of field sobriety tests.
Wrapping Up
A drug driving case is not in any way a minor incident, and can turn your life upside down! Furthermore, such cases are subject to harsh penalties, which can affect your future.
That’s exactly why you need the assistance of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. They have the required knowledge and understanding of traffic laws and DUI regulations, and can effectively build a robust defense strategy to protect your rights and extract an outcome that you deserve! For more information on drugged driving in Pennsylvania, or to seek legal help, dial 844.PITT.DUI to reach out to us today!