Drug DUI

While you are likely familiar with the crime of driving under the influence of alcohol in Meriden, you may not know the specifics of driving under the influence of drugs. While alcohol DUI and drug DUI overlap quite a bit, there are some differences that are worth mentioning. If you have been charged with a drug DUI in Meriden or elsewhere in New Haven County, you can learn more on this page.

What is Drug DUI?

Connecticut law does not allow the operation on a motor vehicle if a person is under the influence of drugs, whether they are illegal drugs, controlled substances, or even, in some cases, medications that have been prescribed. These types of drugs can impair a person’s judgement while they are driving, sometimes leading to drowsiness, depth perception issues, recklessness, etc.

If a police officer suspects that you are driving under the influence, they may check for the presence of the drug or the drug’s metabolite within your urine or blood. Drugs that could be detected include cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogens, amphetamines, and more. The presence of any of these drugs could lead to a DUI charge.

Keep in mind that just because marijuana is now legal in the state of Connecticut does not mean that it is legal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. This still may result in a drug DUI charge.

Drug DUI Penalties

Many of the penalties for a drug DUI are the same as those for an alcohol DUI. This might include jail time, fines, probation, rehabilitation, license suspension, and more.

In addition, you may face other penalties that are long-lasting. For instance, you may lose your professional license due to a DUI conviction, or you may be suspended from your job for a period of time. This may especially be the case if you drive for work and your driver’s license is suspended or revoked in relation to a DUI conviction. You may also face insurance rate premiums for years to come.

Because the consequences can be severe, it is a good idea to contact a Meriden drug DUI lawyer to help defend against your case.

There are many potential defenses that might be available given your particular situation, and a lawyer will be able to help you determine the strongest ones. A lawyer may be able to contest drug test results, the legality of your stop, and more. In addition, a lawyer may be able to argue that symptoms which may have indicated impairment were actually the result of something else, such as allergies or emotional distress.

Contact a Lawyer

Drug DUI cases can be complicated and can have serious ramifications. To put yourself in the best position to fight such a charge, consider contacting a Meriden drug DUI lawyer. The lawyers at our firm have defended against marijuana DUI charges and drug DUI charges and know how to handle these cases in Meriden and throughout New Haven County. To get the help that you need, contact our firm today. We are here to help!