Pennsylvania Drugged Driving DUI Attorneys
Drugged driving criminal consequences are just as serious as drunk driving. If you or a loved one has been charged with drugged driving in Pennsylvania, contact our criminal defense attorneys for legal guidance and advocacy. Under Pennsylvania DUI law, a person will be charged if he/she drives under the influence of any type of drug that negatively affects his/her driving abilities (example – prescription, over-the-counter, or a controlled substance). Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania drugged driving laws. Our Pennsylvania drugged driving lawyers will work tirelessly to protect your rights, freedom & reputation.
Contact our Pennsylvania DUI attorneys to discuss your case. They offer free consults and serve the entire state including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem,
A person may not drive or attempt to drive any vehicle while he is so far impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a combination of one or more drugs and alcohol that he cannot drive a vehicle safely.
It is not a defense to any charge of violating this subsection that the person charged is or was entitled under the laws of this State to use the drug, combination of drugs, or combination of one or more drugs and alcohol, unless the person was unaware that the drug or combination would make the person incapable of safely driving a vehicle.
As noted above, it is a crime to drive under the influence of any drug, regardless if it’s prescribed under law. If the drug affects a person’s driving ability, he/she will be arrested and charged accordingly. Unlike driving under the influence of alcohol, there is no set minimum standard of impairedness. If a person test positive for drugs, he/she will be charged. Stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens all impact driving skills. Though you may believe you are okay to drive, if you are involved in an accident, and it is discovered that you consumed a drug prior to driving, you will be taken into custody, tested for drugs, and charged accordingly if positive results return.
The following are a list of common prescription drugs and recreational drugs associated with drugged driving DUI:
- Vicodin
- Valium
- Percocet
- Ambien
- Xanax
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Crack cocaine
Fines, Penalties & Sentencing
A first offense will result in a person spending up to 2-12 months in jail, a fine of $500, driver’s license suspension of up to 45 days, and the completion of a drug/alcohol education program. The court may accept the payment of the fine in lieu of a person serving a jail sentence.
A second offense within 5 years of the first offense will result in a person serving at minimum 48 hours in jail to up to 2 months, paying up to a $2,000 fine, driver’s license suspension of up to 90 days, and the completion of a drug/alcohol education program.
A third offense within 5 years of the first offense will result in a person serving up to 3 years in jail, paying up to a $3,000 fine, driver’s license suspension of up to 18 months, and the completion of a drug/alcohol education program.
Hire Our Pittsburgh PA Drugged Driving Defense Attorneys
Contact our Harrisburg, Pennsylvania drugged driving defense attorneys to discuss your case in confidence. Our Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyers will review the merits of your case and provide you with a list of options you may have in getting the charge asserted against you reduced or completely dismissed.
Serving those facing DUI, drug crime and traffic violations throughout all of Pennsylvania including Allentown, Altoona, Jim Thorpe, Bethel Park, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Norristown, Easton, Bethlehem, Kennett Square, Chester, West Chester, West CHester University, Penn State, U. Penn, Villanova, Temple, University of Pittsburgh, Media and Upper Darby.