Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Lawyers
When you think of DUI, you probably think of drinking and driving. However, driving under the influence in Georgia can also refer to driving under the influence of drugs. And the drugs do not have to just be illegal, they can be legal and prescribed, not prescribed or even over-the-counter medications like cough syrup. Basically anything that can impair mental of physical abilities can be considered a drug.
If you or someone you know has recently been charged with driving under the influence of drugs in Georgia, you need a defense attorney who specializes in this area. The attorneys at Head Thomas Webb & Willis can help.
The prosecution’s tactics
In drinking and driving cases, the prosecution can argue that the driver was in violation of a “per se” law if he or she was over the legal limit of .08%. This means that whether or not the person was impaired, he or she will still be charged with DUI simply for going over this limit. However, when drugs are concerned it’s a little different since there are no legal “per se” levels involved. Therefore, they will try to argue circumstantial evidence by how the driver was operating the vehicle, observations of the driver’s persona, the chemical test results or by relying on the testimony of a drug recognition expert.
Penalties for driving under the influence of drugs
If a driver is convicted of driving under the influence of drugs, he or she can face the same penalties as someone convicted of drinking and driving. In some cases, the penalties can even be stricter for drug use. One possible penalty may be losing your driving privileges from criminal court, even if there is no administrative hearing held with the department of motor vehicles. Other penalties that you may face include probation, community service, jail time, loss of employment and more.
Your defense
Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious criminal offense. But it is also one that can be properly defended if you hire an experienced DUI attorney. It is important that you act quickly in hiring an attorney following your DUI arrest. The longer your lawyer has to investigate your case the better your chances at winning in court.
