When people hear the term DUI, they often think of drunk driving. However, driving under the influence of drugs is also illegal. Intoxication from substances, including street drugs and prescription medications, can lead to DUI charges.

If you face an accusation for driving under the influence of drugs, consulting a Stamford drug DUI lawyer promptly is crucial. Managing Partner Jay Ruane and the team at Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys can assist you in defending against these serious charges.

Connecticut Law on Drugged Driving

Connecticut General Statute § 14-227a prohibits driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. A person is considered under the influence if they have consumed a substance that impairs their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Drug DUI cases often hinge on the observations of the arresting officer, but mandatory blood or urine tests can also provide evidence of impairment. The presence of any drug in a person’s system can be enough to support a DUI conviction. However, a Stamford drug DUI defense attorney can help defend a person against the charges that they face. They can help defendants understand the specifics of Connecticut’s drug DUI laws and what the prosecution needs to prove.

Defending Against Drug DUI Charges

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt (which is the criminal court burden of proof in the United States) that the defendant was driving under the influence of drugs. One defense strategy is to challenge the legality of the traffic stop.

An officer must have observed a traffic law violation to justify the stop. If there was no valid reason for the stop, any evidence of intoxication may be inadmissible in court. Without this evidence, the prosecution’s case may fall apart.

A Stamford drug DUI defense lawyer may also challenge results of chemical tests. In some cases, these tests are not accurate. Even if they are accurate, there are situations where a drug may be found in a person’s system, but it is not active. 

Consult with a defense lawyer to see if these defenses or others are available to you. 

Pretrial Drug Education Program

If dismissing evidence is not possible, defendants might avoid severe penalties through diversion programs. According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-56i, eligible individuals can participate in the Pretrial Drug Education and Community Service Program.

Successful completion of this 15-session program, paid for by the defendant, can lead to the dismissal of charges. A local lawyer can help create a defense strategy tailored to the specific drug DUI charges faced by the defendant.

Contact a Stamford Drug DUI Lawyer Today

Facing a DUI charge for drug intoxication requires immediate action to build a defense. A conviction can result in significant fines, license suspension, and jail time.

A Stamford drug DUI attorney from Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you fight these charges. Our legal team will clarify your rights and charges, investigate the circumstances of your arrest, and represent you in court. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, have your questions answered, and begin your defense.