Baltimore Drugged Driving Defense Lawyer
In Maryland, drugged driving charges are similar to drunk driving charges. They are treated seriously, and if you are convicted of these charges, you can expect to face lasting negative impacts on your future—you can face time in jail and significant fines. The best thing you can do to mitigate or avoid charges for drugged driving in Baltimore is to use the assistance of an experienced Baltimore drugged driving attorney.
If you are currently facing charges for drugged driving in Baltimore, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The Baltimore drugged driving lawyers that work with Rice, Murtha, & Psoras are available to help people in the Baltimore area defend themselves against these charges. Contact them soon to schedule a free and confidential consultation by calling (410) 431-0911.
How Drugs Affect Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs can be extremely dangerous. Often, drugs can impair drivers in the same way that alcohol can. Each type of drug can affect drivers in different ways, but the most common characteristics of drugged driving include:
- Impaired vision – Using drugs may make it difficult for drivers to focus, see clearly, and discern between light and dark
- Impaired motor function – Many drugs can make it difficult for drivers to control their bodily movements, which can make steering, braking, turning, accelerating, decelerating, and reversing extremely dangerous
- Drowsiness – Some drugs cause users to feel drowsy, which may make them susceptible to falling asleep or closing their eyes while driving
- Slowed reactions – Many drugs make it more difficult for drivers to notice things happening around them and then make appropriate decisions within a short amount of time
- Cognitive function – While under the influence of drugs, drivers find it difficult to pay attention to their surroundings and use judgment to make safe decisions
- Aggressive and reckless driving – Loss of emotional control is another side effect of drug use, which can make drivers more susceptible to road rage and reckless driving.
Drugged Driving Charges in Baltimore
In Baltimore, drugged driving is charged as a DWI, which is the same offense as driving while under the influence of alcohol, which means that the penalties are the same as well. Some Baltimore drivers may be surprised to know that drugged driving is not limited to narcotics and controlled substances—even misuse of drugs that the driver has been prescribed can be a form of drugged driving.
Maryland’s DWI Statutes
In Baltimore, drugged driving can result in either a DUI charge or a DWI charge. Whether a driver receives a charge for a DUI or a DWI depends on their blood alcohol content; drugged driving charges are much less severe than DUI charges. DWI charges, however, are also made against drugged drivers.
Unlike alcohol, which can be measured in a driver and deemed illegal if their blood alcohol content crosses a certain threshold, there is no quantified amount of illegal drugs and legally prescribed drugs that make it illegal for a person to drive while under the influence. Essentially, an arresting officer can deem that a person is impaired by drugs according to their own discretion.
Police officers use two methods to test for the presence of drugs in drivers who are suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs. One method is an interview with a drug recognition expert, also known as a DRE. The DRE will ask the driver questions and take some physiological measurements (pulse, temperature, flaccid muscle tone, etc.). If there is probable cause to suspect that the driver has been using drugs, they can request a blood test.
Drugged Driving Can Include the Use of Prescription Drugs
Drivers in Baltimore should note that it may be illegal for them to drive while under the influence of drugs that have been prescribed to them by a doctor. If the driver was aware of their prescribed medication’s ability to impair their ability to drive, their impairment would be considered drugged driving I just like any other drug.
Drugged Driving Penalties in Baltimore
A first-time DWI offense in Baltimore can result in up to two months in prison and a fine of up to $500. Drivers may also receive eight points on their license and a license suspension of up to six months. A second DWI offense can result in a prison sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $500, and a license suspension of nine months. A third DWI offense can result in a prison sentence of five years, a fine of $5,000, and up to twelve months of license suspension. Only prior offenses within five years are counted. Drivers can expect more severe penalties if they were driving with a minor in their vehicle at the time of their arrest.
How a Lawyer Can Help You with Your Baltimore Drugged Driving Charges
Lawyers can help their clients with their drugged driving charges by informing them of the meaning of their charges and protecting their rights throughout all of their legal proceedings. Lawyers can also help their clients by crafting defenses that can result in mitigated or dropped charges. If, for example, police did not have reasonable cause to pull over a driver in the first place or they did not perform testing properly, the evidence may not be accepted and the case may be dismissed.
Contact an Experienced Baltimore Drugged Driving Defense Attorney
It’s in your best interest to seek legal representation immediately if you are facing charges for drugged driving in Baltimore. An experienced Baltimore drugged driving defense lawyer from Rice, Murtha, & Psoras can help you understand the potential penalties that you are up against and determine the best defense for your case. Call (410) 431-0911 today to schedule a free consultation with our Baltimore criminal defense lawyers.