Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

A Growing Concern in Erie County

Alcohol-related DUIs have long been a primary cause of substance abuse-related fatalities. However, there’s been an alarming rise in traffic accidents involving drug impairment across Erie County. Law enforcement agencies are taking strict measures to tackle this issue, frequently apprehending drivers under the influence of drugs. The penalties for such offenses are severe, making it essential to work with an experienced Erie DUI attorney from the Logue Law Group who can build a strong defense.

What You Need to Know

When Can You Be Charged with Drugged Driving?

Under Pennsylvania law, you can be charged with DUI if controlled substances or their metabolites are detected in your bloodstream, or if a combination of drugs or medication impairs your ability to drive safely. The standards for drugged driving largely mirror those applied to alcohol-related DUI offenses.

Law enforcement officials are specifically trained to identify signs of impairment that threaten road safety. These may include:

• Swerving or weaving between lanes
• Driving significantly below the speed limit
• Tailgating or failing to maintain a safe following distance

Once pulled over, officers may evaluate physical signs of impairment, such as glassy eyes, slurred speech, or difficulty coordinating movements.

Specialized Testing for Drugged Driving

Beyond physical observation, officers might conduct:

• Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): To judge motor skills and focus
• Blood or Urine Analysis: Detecting drugs or metabolites
• Drug Recognition Experts (DRE): Specially trained evaluators utilize a precise, multi-step protocol to identify drug impairment. This evaluation often includes checking for injection marks, analyzing pupil dilation, pulse rates, and blood pressure, alongside administering tailored FSTs.

Even if you are impaired by prescription medications, you can face charges under these regulations. A seasoned Erie criminal lawyer, such as one from the Logue Law Group, can clarify the intricacies of these laws and help defend your case.

Understanding the Penalties for Drugged Driving

The consequences of a drugged driving conviction are categorized under the highest level of a three-tier system. Here’s a breakdown of the potential penalties:

First Offense

• Prison sentence of up to 6 months
• Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
• 1-year license suspension
• Enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school
• Mandatory participation in a treatment program (as ordered by the court)

Second Offense

• Imprisonment ranging between 90 days and 5 years
• Fines from $1,500 to $10,000
• 18-month license suspension
• Compulsory alcohol highway safety school
• Treatment program enrollment
• Use of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year

Third Offense

• Prison sentence of 1 to 5 years
• Fines between $2,500 and $10,000
• 18-month license suspension
• Mandated treatment program
• Installation of an IID for a minimum of one year

Having an Erie DUI attorney on your side can make a significant difference in navigating these severe consequences. It’s also vital to understand that DUI convictions create a permanent mark on your criminal record. This can hinder career opportunities, spike car insurance premiums, and, if an accident results in injury or death, lead to additional civil lawsuits for damages.

Your Immediate Steps When Pulled Over

If faced with a potential drugged driving charge, knowing how to respond can greatly impact your case. Follow these guidelines:

1. Do not walk away or resist arrest, as this can worsen the situation.
2. Avoid admitting to any drug or alcohol consumption.
3. Refrain from answering questions or making statements without consulting a skilled Erie criminal lawyer.

Building Your Defense

An experienced Erie DUI attorney from the Logue Law Group will work relentlessly to craft a strong defense. Potential strategies include:

• Proving you were not the actual driver
• Demonstrating that the traffic stop was unlawful or that proper DUI checkpoint protocols were not followed
• Establishing that you were not impaired while driving
• Highlighting errors in testing methods or equipment calibration

A proactive legal approach ensures that all evidence is carefully scrutinized, giving you the best chance of a favorable outcome.

How the Logue Law Group Supports You

Facing a drugged driving charge can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. A knowledgeable Erie DUI attorney from the Logue Law Group will provide targeted guidance throughout your case. From gathering evidence to mounting a robust defense in court, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you or someone you know is grappling with a drugged driving charge in Erie County, it’s imperative to seek professional legal support promptly. To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our skilled attorneys at the Logue Law Group, visit our website or call us at (844) PITT-DUI today.