OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS
A person may be found guilty of a DWI for operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs. Generally that means a substantial deterioration or diminution of mental faculties or physical capabilities of a person due to a narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit producing drug. In other words was the driver's physical coordination or mental faculties impaired? Has the drug produced a narcotic effect altering normal physical coordination or mental faculties to render this person a danger to himself or others on the highway? Expert testimony is the preferred method for the state to prove that a person is under the influence of drugs. Police officers may be qualified to render expert opinions. Evidence of being under the influence of drugs is analyzed by a totality of circumstances including poor driving, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, agitation, screaming, crying, messed clothing, odor of alcohol from the person, slow hand movements, difficulty with balance, standing, and walking and poor performance in field sobriety tests. Often the police will request that a hospital draw blood from the suspect and the sample will be sent to the state police lab to determine the different types of drugs that may have been present in the blood sample.
Attorney Steven D. Rothblatt has the expertise, knowledge, and experience to help you and defend you if charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or any other types of DWI offenses.
