Drugged Driving Attorneys in Orange County
If you've been charged with driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), don't wait to hire an attorney. Experienced legal counsel can help you understand your charges and work to minimize the potential consequences, protecting your rights in the process.
At Braden & Tucci, we understand the complexity of these cases and have extensive experience defending individuals facing DUID charges in Orange County. Our team is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome. We strive to provide personalized attention throughout your entire case to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Contact us today for more information about how we can help defend against your DUID charge.
We offer a free initial consultation. To schedule, call us at (949) 996-0170or contact us online.
What Kind of Drugs Can Result in DUID Charges?
Any drug that affects your judgment, motor coordination, reaction time, or concentration could result in DUI charges if operating a vehicle while impaired.
This includes legal and illegal substances, such as:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Opioids (such as heroin and painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin)
- Hallucinogens like LSD and PCP, benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Ativan),
- Some over-the-counter medications
- Prescription drugs that affect a person's judgment or motor function
If you have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs, our experienced defense attorneys will work hard to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you build a solid defense against your DUI charge.
What Is the Legal Definition of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs?
DUID is defined by California's Vehicle Code Section 23152 as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by any drug, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, in addition to illicit substances.
When someone is charged with DUID, prosecutors must prove that the defendant's nervous system, brain, or muscles were impaired due to the ingestion of drugs to the degree that affected their ability to drive.
Common signs of drug impairment include the following:
- Bloodshot or Glassy Eyes: Drug use can cause redness or an unusual appearance in the eyes.
- Dilated or Constricted Pupils: Certain drugs cause noticeable changes in pupil size.
- Unsteady Balance: Difficulty walking or standing without swaying or stumbling.
- Flushed or Pale Face: Drugs can alter blood flow, affecting skin color.
- Tremors or Shaking: Involuntary shaking or tremors in hands or body parts.
- Unusual Odors: Smell of drugs like marijuana or alcohol on the person or in the vehicle.
- Slow or Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking clearly or slow reaction times.
- Erratic Driving: Swerving, drifting between lanes, sudden stops, or rapid acceleration.
- Delayed Responses: Slow reaction to traffic signals, stops, or turns.
- Confusion or Disorientation: Difficulty following directions, forgetting where they are going.
- Overly Aggressive or Passive Behavior: Unusual aggression or extreme passivity while driving.
- Paranoia or Anxiety: Nervous or anxious behavior that is not typical for the individual.
- Impaired Judgment: Making poor decisions, such as unsafe lane changes or running red lights.
- Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering recent events or conversations.
- Lack of Concentration: Difficulty focusing on the road or tasks related to driving.
- Poor Coordination: Struggling with tasks requiring hand-eye coordination, such as steering or using the controls in the car.
Here are some common side effects associated with the following substances:
- Marijuana: Relaxation, impaired coordination, slow reaction time, and difficulty with spatial awareness.
- Stimulants (e.g., Cocaine, Methamphetamine): Agitation, hyperactivity, inability to focus, and erratic behavior.
- Depressants (e.g., Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates): Drowsiness, poor coordination, slow reaction times, and confusion.
- Opioids: Nodding off, constricted pupils, slow movements, and difficulty staying awake.
- Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, PCP): Distorted perceptions, hallucinations, disorientation, and erratic behavior.
What Evidence Can Be Used Against Me in a Case of DUID in Orange County?
The prosecution can use many different forms of evidence against you, including blood and urine tests, mouth swabs, field sobriety tests, and drug recognition evaluations.
The prosecution will likely use the testimony of the arresting officers against you. This can include observations about your behavior and whether the officers could smell, see, or confiscate any drugs in your vehicle or on your person. If any drugs are seized, an officer will submit them as evidence, and the prosecution will cite the seizure as evidence against you. Though it may seem like the case is open and shut when an officer can locate drugs during an arrest, they must also prove that you ingested them and that they affected your driving ability.
Blood and urine tests can determine whether you are on drugs, identify specific drugs in your system, and measure the amount of drugs you have ingested. That said, confirming the presence and amount of a drug in your is not the same as proving that the drug affected your ability to operate a vehicle. You are not legally obligated to take a blood or urine test unless an officer has arrested you.
Officers may ask you to take a mouth swab.
Mouth swabs can determine whether or not you have recently ingested any of the following seven drugs:
- Amphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
Unlike blood and urine tests, the mouth swab can only detect the presence of a drug and does not measure how much of it you have ingested. You are within your rights to decline this test unless you have been arrested; however, if you are arrested, you would more likely take a blood test, as they are more accurate. Officers use mouth swabs to establish probable cause for an arrest.
Field sobriety tests measure your level of coordination and ability to follow instructions. If you fail these tests, law enforcement may use them as evidence against you in court or as probable cause to arrest you; however, you are not legally obligated to take an FST. The only tests you are legally obligated to take are the chemical tests that are administered following an arrest.
Finally, if law enforcement suspects that you are under the influence of drugs, they may request a Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE). A DRE is administered by specially trained officers who will look for indicators such as pupil size, eye movements, physical signs, and behaviors that indicate drug use. This evaluation also includes testing, such as blood pressure measurements and pulse rate checks, which can also be used as evidence against you in court. You are not legally obligated to answer any questions asked during a DRE unless you have been arrested.
Penalties for Drugged Driving in Orange County
Penalties for an Orange County DUID conviction will vary depending on whether the offense was charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. This will largely depend on the circumstances of the case and whether it is a first offense or a subsequent offense.
A first-offense drugged driving conviction can carry penalties up to:
- Six months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000, plus additional fees
- A six-month driver's license suspension
- Mandatory completion of a drug rehabilitation program
- Summary probation between three to five years
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
For subsequent offenses, the penalties become more severe. The jail time, fines, and probation periods are likely to increase. Additionally, a fourth DUI conviction within ten years can be charged as a felony, which carries much harsher penalties, including state prison time. It's crucial to understand that these penalties may vary based on the specific details of the case, and they can be enhanced if aggravating factors are present, such as causing an accident, injury, or having a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
If you are facing a DUID charge, it is crucial to seek the advice of an experienced drugged driving lawyer to understand the specific consequences and potential legal defenses for your case.
Drug Diversion Program
The Drug Diversion Program in California is an alternative sentencing option for individuals charged with non-violent drug offenses, including driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). This program aims to address substance abuse issues through treatment and education rather than traditional punitive measures.
To be eligible for the Drug Diversion Program, the defendant must meet certain criteria:
- Non-Violent Offense: The charge must be for a non-violent drug offense, including DUID.
- No Prior Felony Convictions: The defendant should not have prior felony convictions related to drug offenses.
- No Involvement in Violent Crimes: The current charge must not involve any violent crime.
- Court Approval: The court must approve the defendant's participation in the program.
The Drug Diversion Program typically includes several key components designed to help offenders overcome substance abuse issues and avoid future legal problems:
- Drug Education Classes: Participants attend classes that educate them about the effects of drug use, the risks of driving under the influence, and the legal consequences. These classes are held regularly over a set period to provide comprehensive knowledge and awareness.
- Counseling and Therapy: Participants engage in individual counseling sessions with a licensed therapist to address personal substance abuse issues. They also attend group therapy sessions to share experiences and receive support from peers, and may involve family counseling to strengthen their support system.
- Drug Testing: Regular drug tests are conducted to ensure participants are complying with the program's sobriety requirements. Random testing may also be implemented to prevent relapse and promote continuous abstinence from drugs.
- Support Groups: Participants are required to attend support group meetings, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups provide a network of support, encouraging engagement in discussions and activities that foster recovery.
- Community Service: Participants must complete a specified number of community service hours as part of their rehabilitation. These activities are aimed at giving back to the community and fostering a sense of responsibility.
Upon successful completion, the court may dismiss the DUID charges, avoiding a criminal record. Participants can avoid incarceration by complying with the program’s requirements. This alternative sentencing approach provides a chance for individuals to turn their life around and make amends for past mistakes.
However, failure to comply with the program's requirements may result in severe consequences, including jail time and a permanent criminal record. It is crucial to take this opportunity seriously and commit to making positive changes in one's life.
The length of the DUID diversion program varies depending on the severity of the offense and the individual's progress. Typically, it ranges from 6 months to 2 years. During this time, participants will be required to attend regular check-ins with their assigned case manager or
How Can an Attorney Help You Avoid Conviction for DUID?
An experienced Orange County DUID defense attorney can analyze the details of your case to identify any opportunities to argue against the prosecutor's evidence. For example, we may focus on investigating the circumstances of your arrest to determine if there was any misconduct on behalf of law enforcement or if any key evidence was overlooked, such as whether or not you were aware that the drug you ingested could affect your ability to drive. We will also critically examine the validity and accuracy of any tests, seeking to identify unreliable or misleading results. Additionally, we will gather any available witness statements, medical records, or toxicology reports to support your case.
Our lawyers can also assist with plea negotiations if necessary. These negotiations can result in reduced sentencing or even a dismissal of charges depending on the circumstances.
We help you move forward
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“Thank you again, Mr. Tucci, through your efforts you have altered the course of my life. Truly the greatest to have ever done it.”
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“Thanks to Vincent Tucci, my son’s warrant was quashed, his two charges dismissed, and my son never had to appear in California!”
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What sets us apart:
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Zealous, Individualized Representation for Your Case
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Proven Successes in Trial, in Court & with the DMV
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Certified in Alcohol Screening & Field Sobriety Testing
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Southern California’s Most Respected DUI Attorney
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Former President of the CA DUI Lawyers Association
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Southern California’s Most Aggressive and Successful DUI Attorney
Protecting Defendants in Southern California
Orange County DUI drug charges are serious and carry heavy potential penalties; however, they generally allow us more flexibility in preparing a defense than DUI cases involving alcohol. We will meticulously examine every aspect of your case to form a solid defense, offering guidance and advice along the way. Our goal is always to provide personalized legal representation as we work to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Call us at (949) 996-0170 or contact us online to schedule your free case consultation.
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