Most people associate DUIs with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) above the legal limit. However, alcohol is not the only impairing substance that can make driving dangerous or lead to DUI charges. The use of drugs or narcotics while driving could result in a DUI charge, as well.

If you face allegations of a drug-related DUI, you are entitled to a strong defense. Ruane Attorneys could review the allegations against you and help you develop a strategy moving forward. Before considering a plea offer from the state, consult a Hartford drug DUI lawyer to learn your legal options.

Drugged Driving Laws in Hartford

Connecticut law covers a wide range of substances when it comes to DUI. In addition to alcohol, any controlled substance that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle could also result in a DUI conviction. This could include illegal narcotics, over-the-counter substances, or even prescription medication, especially if the driver does not have a valid doctor’s note.

Pursuing a conviction for DUI is different when it comes to drug-related cases. In most DUI cases, the state’s case rests on the results of a blood, breath, or urine test. If a motorist registers a BAC above the legal limit, that evidence alone might be enough to secure a conviction.

However, proving guilt in a drug DUI case might take more work. Some impairing substances are not as easily measured as alcohol, while others might not show up in a test at all. In these cases, it is up to the state to prove its case with observations by police. A local drug DUI attorney at our firm could investigate the traffic stop and call the officer’s observations into question.

Defense Strategies in Drug DUI Cases

There are different ways to approach a drug DUI case, making it important to work with a Hartford lawyer who has successfully handled these cases. The strategies in alcohol-related DUI cases might not always be applicable. Although many defenses for alcohol DUIs revolve around challenging breathalyzers and other testing procedures, this may not be relevant in a drug-related case.

However, other defense strategies could result in an acquittal. One of the most common approaches in these cases is challenging the traffic stop that led to the arrest. The police are barred from making an arrest without probable cause. When they make an illegal arrest, any evidence they recover could be barred from trial.

Building an effective defense strategy involves more than just selecting an option from a list. A Hartford attorney can tailor a defense to the drug DUI case by investigating the facts of the arrest and evaluating the prosecution’s evidence. Because these cases often rely on mere observations by the responding officer, there are often many viable defenses for contesting the charges.

Contact a Hartford Drug DUI Attorney As Soon As Possible

An arrest for a drug-related DUI can be overwhelming for anyone—especially if you have never been arrested before. However, an arrest will never guarantee a conviction. You always have the right to work with an attorney and defend your rights.

Ruane Attorneys is prepared to help you fight back in your case. Reach out to a Hartford drug DUI lawyer at our firm today for a confidential consultation.