Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Understanding the Rise in Drugged Driving

Alcohol-related DUI incidents have long been a major concern in Greensburg, leading to many substance abuse fatalities. However, there’s now an alarming increase in traffic accidents involving drug impairment. The Greensburg police are actively targeting this issue, often arresting individuals under the influence of drugs while driving. Due to the severe penalties, it’s crucial to seek the help of an experienced Greensburg criminal lawyer who can offer a strong defense.

Key Information You Need to Know

If law enforcement finds controlled substances or their metabolites in your system, or if a mix of drugs and alcohol affects your driving, you may be charged with DUI. It’s essential to recognize that the laws for drugged driving are quite similar to those for drunk driving. Police officers are trained to identify signs of impairment that could compromise road safety, such as swerving, driving slowly, or not keeping a safe distance from other cars. When you’re stopped, officers will check for physical signs of impairment, like glassy eyes and slurred speech.

In addition to field sobriety tests and other blood and urine tests, Drug Recognition Evaluators may be called in. These experts use a comprehensive, multi-step process to determine drug impairment. They look for signs of drug use, such as track marks, and evaluate conditions like pupil size, blood pressure, and heart rate. This evaluation includes specialized field sobriety tests tailored for drug-related DUI cases.

Consulting with a seasoned Greensburg DUI attorney provides valuable insights into DUI charges connected to prescription drugs. It’s important to know that even if you’re impaired by medication, you can still face DUI charges. Drug-related convictions fall under the highest tier in a three-level system, resulting in strict penalties, including:

• First Offense – Up to six months in jail, fines of $1,000 to $5,000, a one-year license suspension, and mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school. The court may also require participation in a treatment program.
• Second Offense – A sentence ranging from 90 days to five years in jail, fines between $1,500 and $10,000, an 18-month license suspension, required enrollment in an alcohol highway safety school, participation in a treatment program, and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year.
• Third Offense – Severe consequences including one to five years in jail, fines of $2,500 to $10,000, an 18-month license suspension, a required treatment program, and IID installation for one year.

A DUI conviction leads to a permanent criminal record, which can affect your career and increase car insurance costs. If an accident causing injury or death occurs, the situation becomes more complex, with potential civil court trials for damages.

What to Do When Pulled Over by Police

• Do not attempt to leave the scene of the arrest.
• Avoid admitting to consuming alcohol or taking drugs.
• Do not answer questions or make statements without your Greensburg criminal lawyer present.

Your Defense Strategy

In drug-related DUI cases, your Greensburg DUI Lawyer will focus on proving:

• You weren’t the driver of the vehicle.
• The stop was unlawful, or the DUI checkpoint didn’t meet required standards.
• You were not impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• The test was improperly conducted, or the equipment wasn’t calibrated correctly.

How Your Lawyer Will Assist You

Facing a drug-related DUI charge requires the expertise of a skilled Greensburg criminal  attorney. Your Greensburg DUI attorney will guide you through every phase of your trial, ensuring you receive the best legal counsel possible.

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Greensburg DUI lawyer from Logue Law Group, contact us online or call (844) PITT-DUI or (844) 748-8384.