Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Under Utah’s strict DUI laws, it is possible to be charged with driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) for having illegal drugs, prescription drugs, medical marijuana or certain over-the-counter medications in your system. If an officer believes your driving ability was impaired by any drug, he or she may arrest you and, depending on the drug test results, charge you.
At the Law Offices of David Paul White and Associates, we defend individuals in Salt Lake City against DUID charges. With our experience in all types of DUI/DWI cases, we are prepared to investigate your case and aggressively protect your rights. We can also represent you at the DLD hearing to challenge the license suspension.
The Penalties Are Severe
Penalties for a first DUID conviction may include:
- Up to two days in jail or a minimum of 48 hours of community service
- A minimum of $1,500 in fines and fees, and a 90 percent surcharge
- A minimum driver’s license suspension of 120 days
- Substance abuse treatment
Subsequent DUID or DUI convictions will have harsher penalties with higher fines, longer jail terms and longer license suspensions.
Whether you are charged with having an illegal drug, prescription drug, metabolite or over-the-counter drug in your system, you may face the same charges and penalties. Utah’s DUI metabolite laws make it illegal to drive with any measurable amount of a controlled substance or controlled substance metabolite in the body, even though you may not have been impaired when arrested. To fight these charges, you need a defense lawyer who will stand up to the prosecution and challenge the evidence, including the drug test results.
We will also examine the police procedure used during your arrest. If your constitutional rights were violated, we can argue for the suppression of evidence and the reduction or dismissal of the charges.
Contact a Salt Lake City DWI Attorney
Defense attorney David Paul White has successfully represented clients charged with DWI for more than 25 years. In addition to his vast experience, he takes great pride in protecting the rights of each every client. For a free consultation, please call 801-266-4114 or contact us online. The firm has offices in Salt Lake City and St. George.