Downey Drugged Driving Defense

Laws Relating to a Drug Impaired Driving Charge In Downey

Driving under the influence of drugs is a very serious offense under the Criminal Code and carries stiff penalties, ranging from fines to jail terms to the cancellation of licenses. Trials for drugged driving in Downey, CA are contested on highly technical grounds, based primarily on evidence collected from the site where the accused was been pulled over as well as on the accounts of the eyewitnesses.

Our law firm has a team of highly qualified attorneys who are experienced in defending cases related to driving under the influence of drugs. Using effective techniques and know-how based on experience, we defend each and every case with vigor. Crucially, drug impaired driving is a time-sensitive issue because our cases are built primarily on collecting evidence from the site and therefore contacting an attorney immediately is important.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(e) VC that deals with driving under the influence including drugged driving it is unlawful to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both. The law states that everyone commits an offense that operates, assists in the operation, or has the care or control of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft or piece of railway equipment, whether it is in motion or not, if that person is under the influence.

The drugs may be either illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, taken with a doctor’s order. There are a large number of people who think that just because you have a prescription or that the drugs are over the counter they are safeguarded from being arrested for a Downey DUI. This is actually not true. Many of the legal drugs sold carry a warning that a person should not drive a motor vehicle while taking the medicine.

Do Not Hesitate To Contact Us If You Have Received A DUI Offense in Downey

Providing Samples in Downey, California in a Case of Drugged Driving

If and when a police officer has reasonable suspicion that a person has consumed drugs and that he/she has been operating a vehicle for the last few hours, a demand can be made on the person to perform what are called Field Sobriety Tests. These tests are physical coordination tests aimed at determining if the officer will be legally able to perform an approved instrument test (such as a breathalyzer), take a blood test, or conduct a drug evaluation test. A drug evaluation test is the one that defines if the accused is impaired by drugs or a combination of alcohol and drugs. If the evaluating officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has been driving under the influence of drugs or a combination of both alcohol and drugs, he or she can demand blood or urine samples from the alleged offender. As per the law, certain prescription drugs and fatigue toxins are also deemed to be drugs.

The fines and penalties for drug driving have been tightened and they include provisions of loss of driver’s licence if the offender fails to pass the field sobriety tests and gets convicted. The driver has to pay hefty fines apart from losing the privilege to drive. The government has enforced these penalties with the vision to make them act as a deterrent to those high on drugs and driving.

Whenever a driver is found to have drugs only in his or her system at the time of being arrested, there would be no administrative license suspension through the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, this will be set aside once the blood results come back and it is clear that there was no alcohol in the drivers system and when if the defendant is issued a notice of impending suspension at the time of arrest. However, if the defendant is convicted under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(e) VC, the DMV would suspend driving licence for a period of six months based on the DUI conviction.

If you are charged with driving under the influence of drugs, get in touch with our reputable and skilled DUI Lawyer as soon as possible. Our team of lawyers will study the evidence collected and tests conducted in order to provide a strong defense on your behalf during trial.

Prescription Drugs and Driving in Downey, California

Establishing the offense for drug impairment is more challenging because laws for alcohol impairment during driving and tests conducted are based on empirical evidence. The limits for each drug has to be fixed, and may include prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs can result in impaired driving because they may have the same overall result on the body as alcohol, ultimately reducing the brain’s ability to process information and thereby affecting driving skills.

For a String of Drug Impaired Driving Defenses, Contact Our Downey DUI Lawyer Today

For a Drug impaired driving offense, contact our DUI Lawyers immediately. We have the experience to defend these cases in the courts of Downey, California. Our investigators will visit the scene where the incident occurred in order to get first-hand information of the evidence collected by the prosecution. This helps in preparing a strong defense and the cross-examination of witnesses. To receive more information about our outstanding defense strategies, call us today.