Irvine Drug DUI Attorney

How Does a Drug DUI Differ from an Alcohol DUI?

While the penalties for a drug DUI and an alcohol DUI are similar, the way the two cases are prosecuted can be quite different. For an alcohol DUI, the prosecution will typically rely heavily on the results of the chemical test to prove that the driver was under the influence.

However, this is not possible in a drug DUI case. There is no breathalyzer test that can be used to determine whether a driver is under the influence of drugs. Instead, the prosecution will likely rely on the results of a blood or urine test.

Unfortunately, these tests are not always accurate. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including how the test was performed and how the sample was stored and transported. An experienced drug DUI attorney in Irvine can review the results of your chemical test and determine if there are any issues that can be challenged in court.

In addition to the chemical test, the prosecution may also rely on the results of a field sobriety test or a drug recognition evaluation to prove that the driver was under the influence of drugs. However, these tests are also not always accurate.

A field sobriety test is a series of physical and cognitive tasks that a driver is asked to perform on the side of the road. The officer will then use the driver’s performance on these tasks to determine if they are under the influence of drugs. However, the results of these tests are highly subjective and can be affected by a variety of factors.

A drug recognition evaluation is a more extensive series of tests that is conducted by a specially trained officer. During the evaluation, the officer will look for common signs of drug impairment, such as dilated pupils or an elevated heart rate. However, these evaluations are also subjective and can be affected by a variety of factors.

An experienced drug DUI lawyer in Irvine can review the results of the field sobriety test and the drug recognition evaluation and determine if there are any issues that can be challenged.

What Are the Different Types of Drugs That Can Lead to a DUI Charge?

It is illegal to drive under the influence of any type of drug, including both illegal substances and prescription medications. If you are taking medication, you are expected to know how it will affect your ability to drive safely.

Some of the most common types of drugs that can lead to a DUI charge include:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy
• Heroin
• Prescription opioids
• Prescription benzodiazepines
• Prescription sleep aids
• Prescription muscle relaxers
• Prescription stimulants
• Over-the-counter cough medicine

If you are taking a medication that you believe may impair your ability to drive safely, you should avoid driving if possible. If you must drive, you should take extra precautions, such as not driving at night, not driving in heavy traffic, and not driving on the freeway.

Can I Get a DUI for Driving After Taking Prescription Medication?

Many people mistakenly believe that they can only get a DUI if they are driving under the influence of an illegal substance. However, it is also illegal to drive under the influence of prescription medication.

If you are taking prescription medication, you are expected to know how it will affect your ability to drive safely. If you are unsure, you should talk to your doctor. They will be able to tell you if the medication may impair your ability to drive.

What Happens If You Get a Drug DUI?

Being arrested for a drug DUI can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience. Many people are unsure of what to do next or how to protect their rights. If you were arrested for a drug DUI, you need to act quickly to protect your rights.

After you have been released from custody, you should consider reaching out to an experienced drug DUI lawyer in Irvine. They can help you understand your rights and all of your available legal options. They can also help you navigate the legal process and fight your charges.

At The Law Offices Of Taylor & Taylor, we are committed to providing each and every one of our clients with the personalized legal solutions that they deserve. We will work directly with you to better understand your situation and your goals.

Our team can help you create a strong defense strategy and aggressively advocate for you throughout the entire legal process. We will do everything in our power to get your charges reduced or your case dismissed.

Contact us today at (949) 752-1550 to schedule an initial consultation with our team.