Alabama DUID – Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

As a licensed driver, you probably know that driving under the influence or drugs (DUI) is against the law. What you may be unaware of, however, is just how many substances are considered drugs in the eyes of the law. In fact, under Alabama DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) laws, any substance that could potentially affect your driving abilities is considered a drug—including prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as caffeine!

So how does a police officer determine whether a person is under the influence of drugs? Unlike alcohol, there are no standard signs that can be used to identify DUID, as every drug has its own side effects and affects its users differently. Therefore, most DUID charges are based largely in part on the officer’s personal observations—such as the driver’s conduct, statements made during the initial traffic stop, and performance of field sobriety tests.

Some jurisdictions require officers to undergo training to become Drug Recognition Experts, or DREs. After earning a DRE title, these officers are legally qualified to identify signs of drug use. If an officer has not received the appropriate training, however, he or she may be unqualified to make DUID arrests. If this applies to your case, the evidence against you may be insufficient, and your charges will likely be dismissed.

In addition, because drugs cannot be detected by a breath test, a urine and/or blood sample is usually required to determine whether you have drugs in your system. Unfortunately, these tests can only determine whether drugs are present; they cannot identify what types of drugs you have used. As a result, many drivers are falsely charged with DUID.

Fortunately, you may be able to avoid many of the penalties that go along with a DUID conviction—such as jail time, fines, and a license suspension. With the right defense tactics, many drivers can negotiate a reduced sentence or get their charges dropped completely. Successfully fighting your charges is tricky though, and often requires expert legal counsel. As a result, it is best to seek help from an experienced DUID defense attorney.

At the Whitney B. Polson DUI Defense Office, our team of experienced trial attorneys exclusively represents drivers who have been accused of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. As dedicated DUI/DUID defense attorneys, we know the ins and outs of Alabama law, and we can use this knowledge to help you win your case in criminal court.

Put one of Alabama’s most successful defense firms to work for you. Contact the Whitney P. Polson DUI Defense attorney today to start planning the right defense strategy for your situation. Submit your case online now to receive a free, no-obligation evaluation from one of our experienced attorneys.