Drug DUI Attorney in Chattanooga
Defending Your Rights in East Tennessee & North Georgia
A driver can be charged with a drug-related DUI if they are impaired to the point of being “less safe.” This means that you are unable to maintain road safety precautions and are a risk to other drivers. There is no limit on the amount of drugs in your system. All the court needs to know is whether or not the drugs in your system prevented you from driving safely.
At the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel, we believe in fighting relentlessly on behalf of our clients. Whether you are charged with a first-offense drug DUI or you have been accused of a repeat offense, the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel is here to help.
Call our Chattanooga drug DUI attorney at (423) 250-1499.
Drug DUI in Tennessee and Georgia
In most cases, law enforcement will perform a chemical test or a field sobriety test to determine the level of intoxication. You may refuse a test, but be aware that doing so without the advice of an attorney could have serious ramifications down the road.
The state may level a case against you based on the following criteria:
- Erratic or reckless driving
- Slurred speech
- Admission of drug use
- Physical symptoms of drug use (bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, etc.)
- Poor field sobriety test results
- The presence of drugs/paraphernalia in your vehicle
It is also important to understand that medically prescribed and over-the-counter medications can lead to a DUI arrest. Always be careful to take your medications as prescribed by a doctor to avoid a dangerous driving situation and other severe side effects.
Drug- vs. Alcohol-Related DUI Charges
It is easy to assume that drug-related DUIs are worse than driving while intoxicated with alcohol. However, the answer is complicated. There are different charges associated with drug-related DUI that can elevate the penalties, but in general, most drug DUI charges have the same punishment.
Per se drug DUI is especially difficult to defend against because these charges are based on concrete evidence. In a per se case, the prosecution uses chemical test results to prove guilt. Hefty fines or jail time are almost guaranteed without the help of an attorney.
Penalties for Drug DUI
The penalty for a drug-related DUI varies depending on whether this is your first conviction or a repeat offense. First convictions typically result in a fine of at least $300, 12 months of probation, driving school, and a clinical drug evaluation. Additional charges are much more serious
- A second drug-related DUI conviction within 10 years often leads to 45 days behind bars, a fine of $600, 45 days of community service, mandatory driving school, and a clinical drug evaluation. Your license may also be suspended for a time.
- Three or more drug-related DUI charges may lead to serious jail time, permanent or extended license suspension, and other penalties.
Keep in mind that criminal convictions carry consequences outside of those issued by the court. Criminal charges, convictions, and arrests are a part of your permanent record which is available to employers and officials. Those in specialized fields like healthcare can even lose their license.
The High-Quality Counsel You Need
The Law Offices of Meredith Mochel offers experienced legal services to those who need it most. Whether you are charged with your first drug DUI or an additional conviction within ten years, our high-quality legal team has the experience you need to protect your rights.
Our attorney is certified by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration in the administration of field sobriety tests. This allows us to have unique insight into how field sobriety tests are used during a trial so we can create a strong defense on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug-related DUI, don’t hesitate to contact our Chattanooga drug DUI attorney today.
