Drug

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Drug

The laws in Connecticut that govern intoxicated driving are more complex than most people realize. Of course, everyone knows that driving a car while drunk is illegal. However, the same statute also prohibits the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of other substances, including street drugs and even legal medications.

This can lead to confusion for those facing drug DUI charges. They may make poor decisions by waiving their rights or entering plea deals without consulting legal counsel. However, DUI cases are among the most defensible in criminal law. A Bridgeport DUI lawyer at Ruane Attorneys could work to protect your rights throughout the legal proceedings.

The DUI Statute in Bridgeport

Connecticut General Statute § 14-227a covers driving while under the influence of alcohol. The same law also prohibits people from driving while under the influence of any foreign substance. This includes illegal street drugs like marijuana or heroin, over-the-counter medications, or even prescription drugs.

There are two key factors to consider in any DUI case. The first is that an arrest and conviction can occur due to the presence of any foreign substance in a person’s body. The second is that an arrest and conviction can result without scientific evidence. Having a drug present in one’s blood can lead to DUI charges, but an officer can also execute an arrest based on their mere opinion of the driver’s physical state. Our local attorneys could further explain the state’s DUI statute and investigate the prosecution’s reasoning for pursuing a drug DUI charge.

Fighting to Protect the Rights of Drivers

The possible penalties for a DUI conviction in Bridgeport are harsh. At a minimum, the court must impose a fine of $500 and suspend a person’s license for 45 days. A conviction could also lead to a jail sentence of up to six months for a first conviction. The judge may require the driver to undergo a drug screening program at their own expense. A driver and their Bridgeport attorney must build an effective defense against drug DUI allegations to avoid these severe consequences.

One way to contest the charges is to argue that there was no justification for the police officer to make the traffic stop. Police officers rarely witness someone taking drugs and getting into a car. Instead, they may claim to see a driver swerving on the road or committing other traffic violations. If the traffic report indicates that the officer did not have probable cause for a traffic violation, our drug DUI lawyers may be able to argue for dismissing the charges.

Another avenue of defense is to challenge the officer’s observations. In many cases, officers may use speculative field sobriety tests or their observations to justify an arrest for drug DUI charges. A Bridgeport lawyer at Ruane Attorneyscould question the reliability of the officer’s testimony during the drug DUI trial.

Speak with a Bridgeport Drug DUI Attorney Today

When you face allegations of DUI, it is understandable to be frightened and confused. In these situations, you should seek legal counsel to advocate for your best interests. A conviction can result in a jail sentence, a lengthy license suspension, and the payment of heavy fines. Representation from a Bridgeport drug DUI lawyer can make all the difference in your ability to avoid these severe penalties.

Many officers make DUI arrests based only on their observations, and the State’s DUI statute allows prosecution based on multiple theories under the law. Ruane Attorneys could evaluate the strength of the prosecutor’s case, help identify your goals, and develop an effective strategy to achieve a positive outcome. Contact our firm today to get the representation you need.

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