The state’s broadly written DUI laws criminalize many types of driving while under the influence. It is a criminal offense to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of various controlled substances or marijuana. The penalties upon conviction are serious.
If you have been charged with drugged driving, a Maryland drug DUI lawyer from Price Benowitz could assess the case against you and help determine whether you could fight the charges in court. Our DUI defense attorneys have considerable experience with cases such as yours.
The state’s DUI law applies to drugs as well as alcohol. Under Maryland Transportation § 21-902, a person can be charged with DUI if drugs diminish their normal coordination, judgment, or ability to safely operate a vehicle. This applies to illegal drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and medical marijuana.
In DUI cases, there is a specific legal limit for alcohol consumption, but not for drug consumption. Prosecutors rely on officer observations, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing (often of blood or urine) to show that a motorist was driving while under the influence of drugs. The motorist may also face DUI charges if the authorities believe they combined drugs and alcohol, even if their alcohol level alone is below the legal limit. Having a prescription for a medication does not automatically protect a motorist from a DUI charge if that medication affects their driving ability. Drugged driving cases in Maryland rely heavily on subjective evidence and complex testing, which our advocates could contest in your case.
The state’s penalties for drug-related DUI offenses can be severe and are generally the same as those for offenses involving alcohol. A first-time DUI conviction may result in up to one year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and significant court costs. Repeat offenses carry harsher consequences, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.
In addition to criminal penalties, drivers face administrative sanctions through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, such as license suspension or revocation and mandatory participation in the ignition interlock program. A drug DUI conviction can also lead to probation, required substance abuse treatment, and completion of a driver improvement program. Penalties may be enhanced if drivers combine drugs with alcohol or are involved in accidents that cause injuries.
A conviction can also impact employment prospects, professional licenses, and insurance rates. Our skilled legal team in Maryland could strive to prevent you from being convicted of the crime of driving while under the influence of drugs.
Our Maryland lawyers could challenge the methods that police officers used to establish probable cause for your drug-related DUI arrest. If they gave you a field sobriety test to assess your movements and ability to follow instructions, the results might not be reliable. If the officers conducted chemical tests to detect substances in your blood, we could question the initial probable cause or the handling of the evidence. Successfully disputing this evidence could improve your chances of winning your case in court.
If you face drugged driving charges, a Maryland drug DUI lawyer from Price Benowitz could analyze the stop, challenge probable cause, and scrutinize the testing procedures used against you. Your future may be at risk, so it is important to act quickly. Do not assume a conviction is inevitable.
Our experienced defense team could work to protect your license, record, and livelihood by challenging the evidence against you. Call Price Benowitz today to schedule a free case evaluation.
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