Chandler DUI Test Attorney
Regardless of whether an alleged DUI involves alcohol or drugs, the officer must have a valid reason to pull a person’s car over and investigate them. However, the investigation may be a little bit different for substance-related cases.
If you are charged with a drug DUI, the State must prove that your driving ability was impaired, at least to the slightest degree. There are many different tests that the police and prosecutors may use to prove this, as the knowledgeable attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group can further explain. For help contesting DUI drug tests in Chandler and protecting your rights, reach out to our firm today.
For a free legal consultation, call 480-400-5555
ROADSIDE TESTS FOR DUI INVESTIGATIONS
There are three standard roadside tests that officers use to detect intoxicated driving. These include horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the one-leg stand, and the walk and turn. However, many drugs are not detectable through these tests. For instance, marijuana and stimulants do not produce horizontal gaze nystagmus.
As a result, officers may use other testing techniques to determine whether a person is impaired by a particular drug. If the officer does not suspect that the person is under the influence of alcohol, they may use a drug recognition expert (DRE) to determine whether they may be impaired by an illegal substance.
WHAT DRUGS ARE COMMON IN CHANDLER DUI CASES?
Our local attorneys commonly handle DUI cases involving various categories of drugs, including:
- Marijuana
- Narcotics like heroin
- Oxycodone and other opiates
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription medications like Ambien and painkillers
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TESTING FOR DRUG IMPAIRMENT IN DRIVERS
If an officer believes a person is impaired but does not see clues of HGN, they may ask the person whether they want to submit to a drug recognition examination. If the person agrees, they will be transported to a police station or controlled environment. Here, the police can test their heart rate, examine the size of their pupils in light and darkness, and administer other tests to detect drug impairment.
It is important to note that a driver does not have to submit to a drug recognition evaluation. If they refuse, the officer must make a call based on the limited field tests conducted on the street. Ultimately, this will likely lead to a blood test, which will reveal if there is any drug in the person’s system. The concentration of that drug will indicate whether the substance was sufficient to impair the driver. In marijuana DUI cases, an accused person will have their blood drawn and tested for active marijuana or THC.
Anyone pulled over and tested for drug impairment in Chandler should reach out to a DUI attorney as soon as possible for legal counsel.
ACCURACY OF DRUG TESTS IN DUI CASES
When conducted correctly, blood testing accurately measures what substances are in a person’s blood. However, these tests are not always carried out with precision. The crime lab could make mistakes. If the methods are used incorrectly or inappropriately applied, or if the instrumentation is malfunctioning, this may result in poor testing and bad results.
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CALL A CHANDLER ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS DUI DRUG TESTS
The prosecution’s goal in any intoxicated driving case is to prove to the jury that the person’s driving ability was impaired. Local law enforcement may use a variety of DUI drug tests in Chandler to gather evidence for their case and bring charges. If you are pulled over or tested for drug intoxication while driving, consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to begin building your defense. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and way of life. Call today for a consultation.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
