Aggressive DUID Attorney Serving Erie County, Pennsylvania

Many impaired driving cases in Erie, Pennsylvania, involve alcohol and arise when drivers have exceeded the legal limit. However, it is important to know that you can also face marijuana DUI charges or DUID charges when impairment occurs due to drug use. Any substance that impairs a person’s ability to drive safely can lead to trouble, even when no alcohol was consumed.

That is where attorney Bruce G. Sandmeyer can assist. He founded the Law Offices of Bruce G. Sandmeyer, Esq., in 1988 and has more than 35 years of experience, giving him a deep understanding of Pennsylvania drunk and drugged driving laws. He is a solo DUID lawyer, so he gives each client his personal attention and focuses on clear communication every step of the way. He also offers free initial consultations, so call today to get the process started.

Pennsylvania DUI Drug Laws And Ramifications

Pennsylvania’s drugged driving laws take drug-related DUI cases very seriously. A conviction could lead to a 12-month license suspension, six months behind bars and up to $5,000 in fines. It is true that a breathalyzer cannot be used to detect drugs, but there are other chemical tests police can use, such as blood or urine tests. Drug use can also show up in hair samples.

Are There Differences Between DUI And DUID Cases?

Yes, there are differences, particularly in terms of proving impairment. Police officers need to demonstrate that the driver had illegal drugs in their system, that those drugs impaired their ability to drive and that the officer therefore had reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop.

With alcohol-related charges, breathalyzer results can be used to presume impairment if the driver is over the legal limit, but there are no dosage limits for other illegal substances. In general, drug use while driving is simply prohibited.

Common Drugs That May Lead To A DUID

Even prescription drugs can lead to DUID charges, as many of them indicate that you should not operate heavy machinery while using them. These can include substances like barbiturates or narcotics. Other types of drugs found in these cases include:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy
• LSD
• Heroin
• Fentanyl

Additionally, many commonly used medications may trigger a DUID arrest, especially if the driver does not have a prescription. Examples of these include using Adderall, Ritalin, ketamine or codeine behind the wheel.

Your Legal Options After A Drugged Driving Arrest In Erie

Are you facing charges for a marijuana DUI or any other drug-related impaired driving arrest? Call 814-616-2928 or use the online contact form to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced attorney in Pennsylvania.