DUI & Drugs Lawyer in Atlanta

What Drugs are Considered in a DUI?

While DUI arrests are common associated with alcohol consumption, it also includes the influence of drugs. Whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal, drugs that impair a driver's state of mind may be considered grounds for a DUI charge. Whether under the influence of cocaine, marijuana, or something as simple as Nyquil, individuals may run the risk of being arrested if they are caught driving with these drugs in their system.

Many substances are in the category of drugs in relation to DUI, including:

• Illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.)
• Over-the-counter drugs
• Prescription medication
• Toxic vapors (glue, aerosols, paint thinner, etc.)

The essential rule is that any drug that hinders a person's ability to drive may be grounds for a DUI charge. If the influence of a substance inhibits your ability to drive safely, it may put you in danger on the road, as well as those around you. However, many drugs are not as easy to detect on a person as alcohol is. In addition, many symptoms of fatigue are similar to those of a person under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which could lead to a wrongful DUI arrest.

If you have been arrested for suspicion of a DUI involving drugs, then you may benefit from consulting the Atlanta DUI attorney at Weintraub & Alper Legal. Our legal team has 55+ years of collective experience in DUI defense, and over the course of their legal practice, they have successfully handled thousands of cases. A DUI conviction could result in fines, jail time, and a suspension of your driver's license, among other harsh consequences—give yourself the best chance of minimizing the penalties and dismissing the charges.

You do not have to fight alone. Contact us today!

Fighting the Evidence of a DUI Drug Charge

The prosecution must bring valid evidence against you in court in order for you to be convicted of DUI. In the case of intoxication from drugs, it must be shown that you were not only under the influence of drugs, but that the influence of these drugs impeded your ability to drive safely. Even if a blood or urine test reveals the presence of illegal drugs or prescription medication, this does not automatically convict you of a DUI. With the help of our Atlanta DUI lawyer, you may protect your rights against mishandled evidence and improper procedure. Ultimately, the right defense may minimize the penalties you face or even have your case dismissed entirely!

Penalties for Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs

Penalties for a DUI charge involving drugs can be the same or similar to a DUI charge involving alcohol. Depending on which drugs are involved, you should know that you could face additional charges. For instance, if your DUI involves you driving while under the influence of cocaine, then you could face possible drug charges, as well such as possession of cocaine by its consumption, even if no actual cocaine was found on your person or in your vehicle.

Do not assume that receiving a DUI for driving while under the influence of drugs instead of alcohol means that separate rules apply to your case. If appropriate suspension papers are filed by the arresting officer after the receipt of the laboratory analysis of blood or urine indicates the presence of drugs, the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) proceeding and our state's 10 day rule will apply. By acting quickly in hiring Howard J. Weintraub and Benjamin Black Alper, they can use their experience in handling all types of DUI cases and criminal defense matters to provide you with the best opportunity to keep your license and aggressively fight your DUI charges.

Contact our firm today and speak with one of our DUI Attorneys in Atlanta!