An arrest for driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offense. The state will treat you the same as if you were accused of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol. There are some unique challenges that come with disputing the state’s case, and having the support of a skilled DUI attorney from Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. could make a significant impact on your overall success.
Before you consider a plea agreement, it is a good idea to discuss your situation with experienced legal counsel. Our Mankato drug DUI lawyers have expertise in handling these cases and could address your concerns during a consultation.
According to state law, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance. Unlike DUI cases based on alcohol, there is not a simple way to conduct a breath test and know with certainty if a person is impaired by drugs. The police must use an array of evidence to get a conviction.
There are many different substances that could result in a conviction for DUI. Some of the most common examples include:
These are only a few of the substances that could result in an impaired driving conviction. A Mankato attorney could provide an aggressive defense for a drug DUI case regardless of what allegedly led to impairment.
Anyone found guilty of operating a vehicle while impaired by a drug faces serious consequences such as incarceration. While first-time offenders might avoid additional jail time, multiple prior convictions will frequently result in lengthy sentences.
In addition to the risk of jail time, someone found guilty of this offense may also be saddled with steep monetary fines. The suspension of driving privileges is also a common outcome in these cases. For some, it could be years before they regain the right to drive. With the help of a Mankato attorney, it may be possible to reduce the severity of these penalties for a drug DUI case, even in situations where the evidence offered by the state is exhaustive. Our legal team could review the facts and determine the best possible strategy for fighting back.
While most people assume that these offenses involve illegal narcotics, the reality is that a drug DUI conviction is possible when someone is impaired by prescription medication while driving as well. An arrest is possible whether a person obtained these drugs legally or not.
Many prescription drugs can provide the same sensations as recreational narcotics. Painkillers might give a person a high that reduces their ability to operate their vehicle safely. Sleeping pills can leave a driver too fatigued to avoid an accident. There are limited situations where the use of prescription medication can serve as an affirmative defense. If a person uses medication as intended and the drug does not come with a warning regarding operating heavy machinery, they might be able to avoid a conviction at trial. This defense hinges on proof that the substance had an unexpected reaction. It is crucial to consult a Mankato drug dui attorney early in the legal process to manage these unique details.
When you have been arrested under suspicion of impaired driving, it is understandable that you may be unsure of how to proceed. The right legal approach to your case could help you avoid a conviction.
Call a Mankato drug DUI lawyer today to learn about your legal options during an initial consultation.
