Scottsdale Drug DUI Lawyer

Most DUI arrests and subsequent prosecutions in Scottsdale allege that a person has operated a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. However, the state’s DUI laws also prohibit the operation of vehicles under the influence of any foreign substance, including street drugs and prescription medications. Driving under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability is against the law.

If you are facing these charges, let a Scottsdale drug DUI lawyer guide you through the legal process. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our seasoned attorneys can explain the relevant laws, evaluate the potential penalties of a conviction, and take all the steps necessary to defend you against these accusations.

DUI Laws Concerning Drugs and Medications

The state’s DUI statute covers a wide range of behaviors. According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-1381, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of any substance that impairs a person’s driving ability. While this certainly includes alcohol, any substance that interacts with a body’s chemistry can also fit this definition.

When most people imagine these substances, they think of street drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. However, certain prescription medications and even over-the-counter substances could impair someone’s ability to drive. A Scottsdale drug DUI attorney can further explain the state’s prohibition on substances that impair a person’s ability to drive safely.

Drug DUIs Versus Alcohol DUIs

All DUI cases require a prosecutor to prove that a person’s ability to control a vehicle was compromised. In alcohol cases, a police officer may require a driver to take a blood, breath, or urine test. However, drug cases cannot rely on breathalyzers.

Police officers suspecting impairment due to the use of drugs may require a driver to take a blood or urine test at a nearby hospital. Challenging the rationale for insisting on this test is one common method our Scottsdale lawyers use to defend drug DUI cases.

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Just like those involving alcohol, drug DUI cases are misdemeanors. A conviction can come with equally harsh penalties, including a mandatory 10-day jail sentence. Additionally, the court will order a minimum of $1,250 in fines and a loss of license for at least 90 days. The court may also order a person to complete a drug education or treatment program. A conviction for a drug DUI can seriously disrupt a person’s life, making it important to work with our Scottsdale attorneys on a strong defense strategy.

Speak With a Drug DUI Attorney in Scottsdale Today

Although most DUI cases hinge on the consumption of alcohol, it is just as illegal to take any foreign substance that impairs your driving ability, including street drugs and legal medications.

If you are facing charges of intoxicated driving following a traffic stop, a Scottsdale drug DUI lawyer is here to help. Our legal team will explain the state’s laws and potential punishments for conviction. We will work to formulate a defense that protects your rights and freedoms. Contact Grand Canyon Law Group today to learn how we can fight for you and your way of life.