Bloomington Drug DWI Lawyer

While the term driving while intoxicated brings to mind the abuse of alcohol for most people, it is worth noting that this offense can also apply to drugs or other substances as well. Anything from painkillers to marijuana could impact your ability to drive safely.

When you are charged with a DWI, a skilled defense attorney could help you fight back against a conviction. Before you consider a plea offer, discuss your options with a Bloomington drug DWI lawyer.

Common Substances That Lead to an Arrest

A wide range of drugs can lead to getting charged with driving while intoxicated. Often, these arrests involve drivers who have taken illegal narcotics for recreational purposes. Some of the most common examples include:

• Marijuana
• PCP
• LSD
• Ecstasy
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine

In addition to street drugs, these arrests might also involve someone who took prescription medication before getting behind the wheel.

Driving While on Prescription Drugs

There is a common misconception that this offense only applies to street narcotics, but that is not the case. Any substance that impairs a person’s ability to operate their vehicle can lead to a DWI arrest, even drugs prescribed by a physician. A prescription might authorize use, but that authorization does not apply to getting behind the wheel.

Painkillers like hydrocodone are especially dangerous for drivers. They can reduce a motorist’s reaction time or even lead to irrational decisions. Other medication might leave a person drowsy, further increasing the risk of losing control of a vehicle and causing a crash. As a Bloomington drug DWI attorney could explain in more detail, the state’s prosecution will try to prove that the substance caused an individual to be impaired to the degree that they could not safely operate their vehicle.

Evidence the State Might Use To Prosecute

Prosecuting a DWI case involving controlled substances is often very different than a case based on alcohol impairment. When it comes to drunk driving, the state usually relies on the results of blood, breath, or urine testing to establish if the driver was over the legal limit. This is not as simple with drug cases, given that there is no uniform standard for testing. The state might rely on test results in some cases, but they are usually not as strong as a prosecutor might like. Some substances leave the bloodstream quickly, while evidence of other substances can remain long after the effects have worn off.

Admissions are often a vital part of the prosecution’s case. When a suspect tells the police that they have taken a controlled substance while driving, it can be the centerpiece of the state’s case. Evidence that the driver had the substance in their vehicle can also be compelling to a jury. Building a strong defense starts with understanding all the factors that make these cases unique. An experienced drug DWI lawyer in Bloomington could evaluate the evidence and determine the right approach to prevail at trial.

Talk to a Drug DWI Attorney in Bloomington Today

When you are arrested for taking drugs while driving, reach out to a legal professional as soon as possible. A strong defense strategy could go a long way toward securing the best outcome. Let a Bloomington drug DWI lawyer fight for you. Call today to schedule a consultation.