The term driving under the influence (DUI) makes most people think of a drunk driving arrest, but these charges can also involve impairment by drugs. The penalties might be the same, but there are distinct differences when it comes to how prosecutors prove their case when narcotics are involved.
If you have been arrested under these circumstances, our skilled DUI defense attorneys are here to help. The government faces real challenges when it comes to proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in these cases, and our Cranberry Township drug DUI lawyers understand how to attack the evidence against you. Contact Benjamin Levine Law, LLC today to schedule your consultation.
In a drug DUI case, the prosecution does not need to prove a specific blood alcohol level. Instead, they focus on showing that drugs impaired you to a degree that made you unsafe to drive. Different categories of evidence might be used against you, and our attorneys in Cranberry Township could craft a drug DUI defense that takes such arguments into account.
Police may request a blood or urine test to detect controlled substances in your body. These tests can show the presence of drugs, but they do not always prove impairment at the time of driving. Unlike alcohol, some drugs can remain detectable in your body long after their effects wear off.
If you told the officer you used drugs before driving, that statement may be held against you. Even casual comments could be treated by a jury as evidence of impairment.
Officers or witnesses may claim they saw you using drugs before driving. This could include observations at the scene or statements from third parties.
Police often rely on field sobriety tests to support impairment. While standardized field sobriety tests are not useful in drug cases, there are special exercises the police may use in drug cases.
Evidence of erratic or careless driving can also indicate impairment. In many cases, this behavior is what initially leads police to pull over a driver.
A drug DUI charge is not something you should try to handle on your own. Our attorneys will examine every piece of evidence and look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This includes reviewing whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether testing procedures were followed correctly, and whether the evidence actually proves that you were impaired at the time you were driving.
We could also challenge the interpretation of drug test results. The presence of a substance does not automatically mean you were impaired while driving. Along the way, our Cranberry Township attorneys can answer your questions and provide you with insight into what to expect during a drug DUI case. Our legal team is made up of former prosecutors, making them uniquely prepared to defend criminal cases.
After you have been charged with DUI, there is a good chance the prosecution will make you an offer. As long as you plead guilty, you might get some concessions like a promise of no jail time or the opportunity to have your record cleared in the future.
Of course, not every plea offer is worth taking. The decision to plead guilty or not in a drug DUI case is yours to make, but you have the right to rely on guidance from a Cranberry Township attorney.
If you have been charged with a drug-related DUI, our firm is ready to help you fight back. At Benjamin Levine Law, LLC, we understand what it takes for a defense to win and will tirelessly build a strong case on your behalf. Reach out to our Cranberry Township drug DUI lawyers today to get started.