When people hear of DUI arrests, it is very common that they would assume a person has been driving under the influence of alcohol. That, however, is not the only way for a person to be under the influence. Driving while on drugs can be potentially very dangerous for you and any other people on the roads around you. Driving under the influence of drugs that have the ability to make you in any way unlike yourself would make you susceptible to dangers on the road. These side effects include feelings of being drowsy, high, etc. even if the intent was not to become "under the influence."

DUI charges for drugs can include both legal and illegal substances, depending on how they are to be used. For example, if an officer arrests you for cocaine, it is obvious that it is an illegal drug. However, if an officer arrests your and you are using a pain killer like vicodin, or any other drowsy substance, you are still subject to criminal charges. When it comes to driving under the influence of drugs, it differs significantly compared to a DUI for alcohol. For example, when arresting officers conduct blood tests and breathalyzers to see you BAC level, there is no magic number that tells them how much of the drug is in your system.

When addressing a DUI with drugs, there are various other tests that will be conducted in order to determine the driving ability of the person. This includes basic field sobriety tests and blood level tests though because there is no BAC limit for drugs, the case becomes much more difficult for the prosecution to then prove. Penalties for a drug DUI can vary between misdemeanor and felony charges depending on the severity of the crime and the circumstances. Your criminal offense may turn into a felony charges if you have been convicted of numerous DUI charges in the past, for either drugs or alcohol, or your past DUI conviction was a felony charge (even if there is only 1 prior on your record), or if your accident causes the injury of another person.

Again, depending on the severity of the charges against you will determine how long you will have to pay for your actions. It varies though many will spend between 3 and 5 years on probation, severe fines that increase with every number of offenses, a suspended driver's license, and in some cases time behind bars for your actions. When arrested for a DUI caused by drugs, details make the world of a difference when it comes to establishing a strong defense on your behalf. For example, what if you were on a drug that was not supposed to make you drowsy or the doctor gave you the wrong prescription? Perhaps your soda was drugged while you were out one night, and the effect was that of a person entirely under the influence?

If you or someone you know has been accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, tell them to consider a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. By hiring a skilled and experienced DUI attorney you can rest assured that your case will be fought for. A trusted DUI defense attorney will do whatever they can to build a strong case on your behalf. For example, this may include showing that even though you were using a drug that you were not under the influence. A person who is extremely nervous may also appear to have the symptoms of a DUI, and we can help you fight that as well. Contact a lawyer in your area immediately if you have been accused of a DUI, today!