Drug DUI

It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs in Avon and throughout the state of Connecticut. When driving under the influence of alcohol, there is a clear blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%. Anything higher than that, and the person is said to be driving under the influence. However, there is no limit for driving under the influence of drugs. It is much more difficult to determine what exactly drugged driving is, and it is based mainly on the driver’s level of impairment. You can learn more about Avon drug DUI cases on this page.

DRE Evaluations

There is a systematic yet subjective method that law enforcement utilizes to determine a driver’s level of impairment in Connecticut. The assessment is conducted by a drug recognition expert (DRE). This process is similar to alcohol detection in that it involves field sobriety tests, but a DRE will also examine the driver’s muscle tone, pulse, pupils, and more. Police in Connecticut receive special training in drug detection to evaluate a suspect since a person’s level of impairment of drugs will not show well on a breathalyzer test.

Checking the pulse, temperature, blood pressure, muscle tone, and pupil size of the driver is necessary during a DRE evaluation. The process of stopping a vehicle and searching it is also changing in Connecticut, as an internal bulletin sent to police officers recently by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training declared that the odor of cannabis cannot be used as probable cause to stop and search a vehicle.

Regardless of there being no national procedure to assess and detect a person under the influence of drugs, Connecticut law has created a systematic procedure to do so. With the DRE drug evaluation process, a 12 step process will occur if a police officer suspects that a driver is under the influence of drugs. The officer will first administer the breath test, then interview the arresting officer, followed by a preliminary examination and pulse check. Next, an eye examination and a divided attention psychophysical test will take place.

Then there is a vital sign and second pulse check, muscle tone, pupils, and injection marks will all be evaluated, and a third pulse check will be conducted. The suspect will give a statement to the DRE, and a toxicological examination of fluid, urine, or blood can be requested. At this point, the DRE will make a determination of impairment which can be used in a court of law.

Consequences and Defending Yourself

Drug DUI penalties in Avon consist of fines of $500-$1,000, community service, license suspension, the possibility of jail time, use of an ignition interlock device, and consequences from the DMV. Prescription drugs and illicit substances such as cocaine or methamphetamines can all cause a drug DUI. The amount of drug recognition trained officers in Connecticut will only continue to rise, and Avon residents and travelers should make themselves aware of the reality of being pulled over while under the influence. Call Lady DUI if you have been charged with a DUI in Avon and are looking for assistance.