DUI cases differ from other criminal cases in many unique ways. These charges are commonly misunderstood; for example, although DUI charges are often associated with alcohol, they can also result from allegations that you drove under the influence of drugs.

In any scenario, the penalties for a drug DUI conviction can be severe. You need legal representation from a lawyer who can explain your options and work to preserve your future. At Ruane Attorneys, we can discuss the potential defenses in Shelton drug DUI cases and help determine an effective strategy for your situation.

Challenging the Drug Assessment

In drug DUI cases, a common defense is to challenge the assertion that the driver was under the influence of a substance. Our Shelton attorneys could defend a driver by contesting the prosecution’s evidence of their alleged drug intoxication.

For example, a police officer might use a mass spectrophotometry machine to test for the presence of drugs in the bloodstream of a driver accused of DUI. While the results might show a peak for a particular type of illegal drug, other legal substances might produce similar peaks. Using this distinction, our drug DUI defense lawyers in Shelton could work with experts to raise reasonable doubt about the test results.

Defending Against Prescription Drug DUI Charges

Although rare, a person could face drug DUI charges for allegedly driving under the influence of legal medications. The prosecutor may point to warnings on the label or other literature about the medication that tells users to be careful around machinery after taking the drug. They may argue that the driver failed to learn about the effects of the drug before taking it and getting behind the wheel of a car.

In this situation, a Shelton defense attorney would assess the driver’s physical condition and road conditions at the time of the alleged drug DUI. Any seemingly erratic driving could have occurred due to eyesight problems or debris on the road that forced the driver to swerve. Legal counsel could raise a number of defenses that maintain the driver was not influenced by their medication.

Working With a Drug DUI Defense Lawyer

Once retained, a Shelton attorney can begin defending a driver from the moment they are arrested. After a traffic stop, a police officer may detain and question a driver on suspicion of drug intoxication. Having legal counsel can protect a defendant’s rights during the initial questioning and challenge the officer’s reasons for the traffic stop.

Using our knowledge of the testing mechanisms in Shelton drug DUI cases, our attorneys could also dispute any test results. When building a defense against substance-related DUI charges, the lawyers at our firm know which issues to look for in blood or breath tests. We can also cross-examine the police officer and contest their observations of a driver’s supposed intoxication. The sooner a defendant reaches out to our local drug DUI attorneys, the sooner we can begin building an airtight defense strategy.

Contact a Shelton Lawyer to Discuss Drug DUI Defenses

Many people are tempted to try and talk their way out of DUI charges or explain their situation to the arresting officers. When you are stopped by the police, remember anything you say can be used against you. With a criminal conviction at stake, you should let an attorney handle your case and work to protect your rights.

At Ruane Attorneys, we are prepared to bring multiple defenses in Shelton drug DUI cases. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your legal options for protecting your future.