Paulding County DUI & Drugs Lawyer

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs & Narcotics

Have you been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs? DUI is not limited to drinking and driving, but also includes cases of drugged driving, whether it involves illegal street drugs such as marijuana or cocaine or prescription medications. The use of any type of drug or medication which impairs or interferes with the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle may potentially lead to an arrest and conviction, with harsh penalties for the offender.

Drugged Driving Field Sobriety Tests

The police officer who suspects that a driver may be under the influence of drugs or medication may request the individual to undergo the three standardized field sobriety tests, including the horizontal-gaze nystagmus, the one-leg stand, and the walk-and-turn. If any of these tests make it appear that the driver's perceptions, coordination, and motor skills are impaired, the suspect may be arrested.

Remember that you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests. Refusing these kinds of tests comes with no legal consequence, but the officer may still be able to arrest you on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or other substances. At the same time, a skilled DUI lawyer from our firm could use this to strengthen your defense—your refusal is not itself evidence of any criminal offense!

Chemical Tests for Drugged Driving

You also have the right to refuse chemical tests if the officer asks you to submit to one. However, refusing chemical BAC tests like urine, blood, or breath tests are punishable under the law of implied consent. If you refuse, the officer may take your driver's license and issue you a temporary permit. If this happens, you will have 30 days to request a hearing with the Georgia DDS. If you fail to request this hearing in time, your driver's license may be suspended for up to one year.

Even if you refuse, the officer may still be able to secure a warrant from a magistrate that allows them to take a blood sample. Because of this, it is not always a good idea to refuse the test—this may vary on the circumstances of each situation. In any case, reviewing your DUI case with an experienced attorney may help you take the most effective legal action to protect your rights in court. Our defense team in Paulding County has defended countless individuals in their Georgia DUI cases.

The Firm Handles Drug DUI Charges & More

When you have been charged with drugged driving, do not hesitate to contact our criminal defense lawyers at Henrickson & Sereebutra for help. The team at our firm is composed of former prosecutors who share 75 years of combined experience, and we are ready to begin working on your case today. It might be possible to have your charges dismissed by proving that there were errors in the testing procedure, or by demonstrating that the police officer violated your Constitutional rights by pulling you over without probable cause.

Even if this cannot be done, a criminal attorney may be able to negotiate a favorable plea bargain, such as a reduced penalty and participation in a Drug Use Risk Reduction Program with the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Legal help may be available to you, so do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our qualified DUI lawyers in Paulding County before it is too late!

Call our Paulding County DUI & drug defense attorneys at (770) 212-3313 today!