Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can get you into trouble if you are pulled over. Drugs can also be the reason behind a Pittsburgh DUI arrest.
Driving under the influence of drugs in Pittsburg is referred to as “DUID.” You can be charged if you are caught with illegal drugs in your system, such as methamphetamine, marijuana or cocaine. When you are under the influence of a controlled substance like heroin, the penalties for DUID are even harsher.
Charged with DUID in Pittsburgh? Don’t wait to call our experienced drugged driving attorneys – call (412) 281-2146 for free consultation.
We are available 24/7 and have a history of gettign favorable results in DUID cases.
Drugged Driving Charges
If you are caught driving in Pennsylvania while imapred by drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs, your case will be handled very much like a drunk driving case.
The police who pull you over will examine you for things like bloodshot eyes or being unsteady on your feet. The police will usually ask you to take a field sobriety test and probably a blood or urine test.
Urine tests are usually considered more effective than other chemical tests for detecting the metabolites that are a clue there are drugs in your system.
If Pittsburgh police suspect you are under the influence of drugs, they will often call in a drug recognition evaluator.
The DRE will inspect you for signs of recent drug use. Usually, they will take your blood pressure and pulse, closely examine your eyes, and scan you for track marks. They will probably also question you and give you their own field sobriety test.
Penalties for DUID
In Pennsylvania, driving under the influence of drugs will cause you to be charged at the highest level of the Commonwealth’s three-tier system.
Third tier, first offense:
- Three days to six months in jail
- $1,000 to $5,000 fine
- One year license suspension
- Alcohol highway safety school
- You may be required to take a court-ordered treatment program
Third tier, second offense:
- 90 days to five years in jail
- $1,500 to $10,000 fine
- 18 month license suspension
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Ignition interlock on your vehicle for one year
- You may be required to take a court-ordered treatment program
Third tier, third offense:
- Up to seven years in jail
- $2,500 to $15,000 fine
- 18 month license suspension
- Ignition interlock on your vehicle for one year
- You may be required to take a court-ordered treatment program
Other negative repercussions:
- Convictions go on your permanent criminal record.
- Higher car insurance rates. You could also be dropped by your insurance provider.
- Enhanced sentences if you caused an injury or death by driving drugged.
Pennsylvania Driving Drugged Laws
In Pennsylvania it is illegal to drive a vehicle with any amount of a Schedule I, Schedule II, or Schedule III controlled substance in your blood.
Pennsylvania considers the last 10 years of your driving history to determine if this is your second DUI.
Steps To Take If You Are Charged
If you have been charged with DUID, your first step should be to immediately hire a Pittsburgh DUID lawyer. Before your hearing is even scheduled, an experienced Pittsburgh DUID lawyer can begin working on your defense.
Soon after your arrest, you will receive a copy of your criminal complaint in the mail. It’s important to show this paperwork to your attorney so he or she can see your exact charges.
One of the next steps in the DUID process will be your preliminary hearing. This is the first court appearance on your case and it is critical because at this hearing your options, including a plea negotiation or a trial, will be determined. Your attorney will help you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation.
Your Defense For DUID Charges
If you do not choose to negotiate a plea and your case goes to trial, your Pittsburgh DUID lawyer will have several lines of defense depending on the circumstances of your case.
- Did the police have probable cause to stop you?
- Was there probable cause to test you for DUID?
- Were the results accurate?
- Was the testing equipment flawed?
Contact an Experienced Pittsburgh Drugged Driving Lawyer
If you have been arrested for drugged driving in Pennsylvania, your first step should be immediately contacting a Pittsburgh drugged driving attorney. An experienced DUI attorney will guide you through the legal process and understand how to proceed based on your specific case.
Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation with our experienced lawyers at (412) 281-2146.
Questions? Contact me.
Your rights are at stake and you need the best defense to keep them. As an experienced Pittsburgh DUID lawyer, I will fight using the strongest defense available to get your driving under the influence of drugs charge reduced or dismissed so you can move on with your life.
