Drug DUI in Chandler, AZ - person exhaling smoke

22 Jul Driving Under the Influence of Drugs: Drug DUI in Chandler, AZ

Posted at 19:51h in DUI, Laws by

Drinking and driving isn’t the only way you can get a DUI in Chandler or elsewhere in Arizona. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in nearby states along with medical marijuana here in Arizona and an ever-increasing prescription drug epidemic, police are seemingly now more than ever looking out for more than just alcohol when it comes to driving impaired.

Operating a vehicle under the influence of any drug, whether a legal prescription or illegal narcotic, can be grounds for a DUI arrest in Arizona. Roughly 11.7 million Americans drive under the influence of drugs each year. Here are some of the possible consequences if you are one of them.

Criminal Charges

In many states, including Arizona, there are “per se” drugged driving laws which mean you can be charged with DUI for operating a vehicle with any detectable amount of the drug in your system–even if you aren’t impaired. Arizona’s DUI laws aren’t any less strict when it comes to drugs compared to alcohol, but it can be more difficult to prosecute for these offenses. DWI (or DUI) can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony and the consequences of which can include: fines, probation, jail time and license suspension or revocation.

Civil Lawsuits

Criminal charges aren’t the only thing you need to worry about when it comes to driving under the influence of drugs. Injuries resulting from drugged driving are often the subject of civil suits. Victims of personal injury themselves can file or the victim’s family can bring wrongful death lawsuits .

If you are facing drug DUI charges in Arizona or are the victim of an accident caused by drugged driving, contact Certified Criminal Law Specialist Todd Coolidge immediately to know that your rights are being fully protected and defended.

*The information in this blog is for general information purposes only. This blog post should not be taken to constitute a formal recommendation or professional advice. We exclude all representations, warranties, legal liability or responsibility relating to its content.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/22/2016) Sodanie Chea  (Flickr)