Drug DUI Charges In Vidalia, GA
Any type of DUI charge is serious, however, drug DUIs in Georgia are a serious offense, with prosecution extended beyond the typical alcohol-related charge. From illegal substances to over-the-counter medicines, any degree of impairment can lead to significant legal consequences and hefty fines. Our Vidalia drug DUI lawyer has extensive experience representing those facing DUI charges. If you’ve been charged with driving while under the influence of drugs, we’ll fight on your behalf every step of the way. Contact Downie Law, LLC today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Georgia’s DUI Laws as They Relate to Prescription Drugs
Georgia’s DUI laws clearly state that you can receive a DUI while operating under the influence of prescription drugs.
- They are under the influence of any drug to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive, or
- They are under the combined influence of any two or more of the substances specified in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this subsection to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive.
In essence, if the medication you have been prescribed impairs your thought or behavior to a degree that it is not safe for you to drive while under the influence, then driving on this drug can lead you to be charged with DUI. Even more so should one combine their prescription with any form of alcohol such as wine before getting behind the wheel; they would still be liable and face possible charges associated with Driving Under Influence.
Testing For The Presence Of Illegal Drugs
If the police suspect you of driving under the influence or drug use, they will have to take you in for a blood test and/or urine sample. Unlike a blood test that only reveals recent use, your kidneys concentrate and filter waste products from substances taken into your body, leaving detectable traces of drugs longer in your urine than in other bodily fluids. This means illegal drug ingestion can be detected long after it has been consumed through a simple urinalysis.
If the State chooses to examine your urine sample closely, drugs you may have taken in prior months can cause a positive result on your test. The most typical form of drug screening involves dipping a strip into your urine and is easy enough for law enforcement officers to do anywhere. Illegal substances like marijuana, amphetamines, narcotics, and barbiturates are capable of staying in your system for up to weeks after being exposed! By sending a urine sample to a crime lab, police can accurately detect even the slightest traces of illicit substances in your system for up to several months.
DUI Less Safe
Comparable to a DUI for alcohol, you could be charged with a DUI less safe if drugs are impairing your ability to drive in such a way that it is not safe for you. This applies under O.C.G.A §40-6-391(a)(2). Even if the chemical test is refused by the accused, it may still be possible for them to get convicted of a DUI less safe charge nonetheless – showing just how serious this crime can be!
If you are facing charges for DUI Drugs less safe, the prosecutor does not need to establish a specific level of drugs in your system. Instead, they can rely on evidence that suggests impairment such as:
- Erratic driving
- Bloodshot eyes or dilated or constricted pupils
- Slurred speech
- Any admission of drug use
- Evidence of drugs in your vehicle