DUI and Controlled Substances
It is widely known that it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. However, many people are unaware or unfamiliar with the laws regarding driving under the influence of a controlled substance. For certain drugs, you can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) no matter how significant or insignificant the amount that was found in your system was. If you are charged with DUI with drugs, it is important to recognize the severity of your situation, and take it seriously by seeking legal representation immediately.
Chester County DUI with Controlled Substances Attorney
For individuals facing charges for DUI with controlled substances, having the team at Ciccarelli Law Offices fighting on your behalf can greatly impact the outcome of your case. With offices in Malvern, King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Lancaster, West Chester, Kennett Square, Plymouth Meeting, and Radnor, this team of qualified DUI lawyers are capable of serving clients anywhere in the greater Philadelphia region. This includes individuals in Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, or Lancaster County.
Look to more than one attorney or one hope: Get the benefits of an experienced team with nearly 40 years of criminal defense experience fighting for your justice when you are facing a dui drug case. The team of defense lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices have the experience and dedication to aggressively defend you against your DUI charges. Call us today at (610) 719-3200 to set up a consultation with our team of attorneys so that they can get started on crafting your defense.
Pennsylvania Information on DUI with Controlled Substances
DUI and Controlled Substances in Pennsylvania
It is illegal for anyone to be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle if he or she is intoxicated to the point where his or her ability to drive is affected.
In Pennsylvania, controlled substances are categorized into five Schedules depending on how harmful or addictive the drug is, with Schedule I and II being the most serious and addictive drugs.
Some of the commonly used substances that are classified as Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD (acid), bath salts, synthetic drugs, and marijuana. Drugs in Schedule II are PCP, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
It is illegal to drive with any amount of a drug in Schedule I in your system, and you may not have a Schedule II drug in your system unless that substance has been prescribed to you. Individuals convicted of driving under the influence of controlled substances face potential jail time, fines, and a driver’s license suspension.
Many people on prescription drugs, including pain relievers, like hydrocodone or codeine, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication like Xanax or psychiatric medication, mistakenly believe they cannot be charged with DUI. If prosecutors can prove you were under the influence of these substances to extent to which you cannot safely drive, you may face charges.
DUI Drug Test in Pennsylvania
If you are pulled over and the officer suspects or has reason to believe that you are under the influence of drugs, he or she can ask you to submit to a DUI test. For the purpose of detecting drugs in your system, you will usually be asked to take a blood or urine test.
It is your right to refuse to take the test, and the officer must notify you of the consequences of DUI test refusal by reading you the O’Connell warnings. In some cases, the arresting officer may get a warrant that will require you to take the test. Given that drugs remain present in your blood much longer than alcohol, it is a realistic possibility that drugs can be found in your system even after a considerable amount of time has passed.
Even though blood tests tend to be more accurate than urine tests, no DUI test is error proof. If you have been arrested for DUI with controlled substances it is important that you seek legal representation immediately. Your DUI defense attorney can point out flaws in the testing equipment or mistakes made by the officer who administered the test.
Ciccarelli Law Offices | West Chester DUI with Drugs Lawyer
Fighting Your DUI with Controlled Substances Charges
If you have been arrested for DUI with drugs in and around the cities of Downingtown, Exton, Newton Square, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Norristown, Lancaster, Coatesville, or Media, contact Ciccarelli Law Offices. With a dedicated team of defense lawyers in your corner, it is possible to come out of this situation without having your life and reputation destroyed.
The penalties associated with DUI with controlled substances can be steep. In order to avoid these penalties, contact us today at (610) 719-3200. We take a team approach to every case, and when developing a defense strategy, we are committed to having our clients involved in every step of the process.