Phoenix Drugged Driving Attorney

Accused of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)?

While many people are aware that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, not many people think of the potential charges associated with driving under the influence of drugs, or "drugged driving." In Arizona, it is illegal to drive under the influence of any kind of drug or combination of drugs and alcohol. If you have been arrested for a drug-related DUI in Arizona, call our Phoenix drug DUI lawyers at MayesTelles.

When your future is on the line, we have your back. Give us a call at (602) 428-7104 for your FREE consultation. MayesTelles can put 100+ years of experience to work for you.

Understanding Arizona's Drugged Driving Laws

According to the A.R.S. §28-1381, anyone who drives under the influence "while there is any drug defined in §13-3401 or its metabolite in the person's body" is guilt of DUI. Such drugs include marijuana, narcotic drugs, and prescription medications. Even if the drug was prescribed by a licensed physician, it is still illegal to drive under the influence if the medication has side-effects that impair a person's ability to operate a vehicle.

DUI Drug Tests & Implied Consent

Arizona is an implied consent state, which means that anyone operating a motor vehicle has given their implied consent to submit to blood, breath, or urine testing if they are suspected of DUI.

If testing is refused, law enforcement officers may be able to obtain a warrant to force the person to submit to a test. This is important because the characteristics of drugged driving may not be as obvious as drunk driving; the latter includes the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and can be detected in a breathalyzer.

When a police officer pulls someone over under suspicion of DUI, they could ask the suspect to take a drug test in order to prove intoxication. In the case of illegal drugs, a urine test will show the presence of drug metabolites in the person's system. Drug metabolites are created when the liver breaks down drugs in order to render them harmless, and are evident in a person's urine when a drug test is administered.

Penalties for DUID in Arizona

If you are charged with DUID, you should know the seriousness of the matter and what a conviction can mean. If you are convicted, multiple aspects of your life may be affected as a result.

A conviction for DUI of drugs can result in the following:

• Ten to 180 days in jail
• Drug treatment program
• A fine upwards of $1,800
• Driver’s license suspension
• Community service

If you are arrested again, a second offense carries further, more extensive penalties. Aggravating factors can make the penalties even more severe. This includes drugged driving with a minor under the age of 15, drugged driving while driver’s license is suspended, or drugged driving while on probation. It is important to have someone who knows the courts in the area and can work to defend your rights.

Defending against Drugged Driving Charges

Anyone who has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs should retain the services of a drugged driving lawyer in Phoenix immediately in order to have the best chance of a successful defense. There are several different defense strategies that could be employed after a drug-related DUI arrest.

Police officers must follow strict procedures in order to make a legal arrest, so consult with a lawyer to find out if there may have been any misconduct. Also, you may have been driving under the influence due to the fact that your physician did not disclose necessary information regarding the effects of your medication. This can also be used in your defense. Call MayesTelles PLLC to learn more about your defense options.

Trust in 100+ Years of Legal Experience

With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our team at MayesTelles PLLC is dedicated to providing individuals with the most effective representation possible in the face of drugged driving charges. Our firm consists of former prosecutors who know and understand the way in which these charges are handled. It is our goal to help you reduce your charges or even get them dismissed completely.

If you have been charged with drugged driving, our Phoenix DUID attorneys are here for you. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need today. Call us today at (602) 428-7104.