Glendale Drug DUI Lawyer

Drug DUI Attorney in Glendale

While alcohol is the most common substance involved in DUI arrests, state law makes no meaningful distinction between impairment from alcohol and drug impairment. As the law is written, the standards police officers must meet to arrest someone for drug DUI are sometimes less strict and more subjective than those justifying a DUI charge based on alcohol consumption. A Glendale drug DUI lawyer can help you fight these subjective charges.

Effectively contesting a drug DUI charge can be challenging, and representation from an experienced attorney is crucial to securing a favorable outcome. If you were pulled over and arrested for driving while high, contacting a Glendale drug DUI lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group should be your top priority.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DRUG AND ALCOHOL DUIS

Arizona state law addresses alcohol DUIs and drug DUIs under Arizona Revised Statute §28-1381. Both offenses carry broadly the same penalties upon conviction. A police officer can arrest someone and charge them with DUI if they believe the driver was “impaired to the slightest degree” by any intoxicating substance, regardless of the type of substance or even whether it was a legal drug.

When it comes to DUI charges based on blood, breath, or saliva tests, there is a crucial distinction between those built around alcohol and drug intoxication. While the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent for most drivers, someone can be charged with and convicted of a drug DUI if any amount of any drug is detected in their body while they are in actual physical control of a vehicle.

This includes any chemical byproducts of their body metabolizing the drug in question.

In some ways, the standards for a “per se” drug DUI are lower than those for alcohol DUIs. Since the byproducts of many drugs remain in the body long after their intoxicating effects fade away, someone can be arrested for drug DUI even if they are not at all impaired. In these situations, representation from a seasoned Glendale drug DUI attorney at our firm is crucial to effectively contest the drug DUI charges.

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A DRUG DUI CONVICTION IN GLENDALE

As our local attorneys can explain, first-time drug DUI offenders are subject to the following drug DUI penalties upon conviction:

• 10 days of jail time—with nine potentially eligible for suspension based on completion of drug screening and treatment—up to a maximum six-month term
• A minimum $1,250 fine up to a maximum of $2,500, plus additional surcharges
• Potential probation for up to five years
• Driver’s license revocation for 90 days
• Traffic survival school
• Potential installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year
• Potential community service

Repeat offenders are subject to increased jail terms, fines, and license suspensions; individuals convicted three or more times within seven years may have their charge upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony. Those facing any level of drug DUI charge in Glendale need immediate representation from our savvy attorneys.

WHY HIRE A DRUG DUI LAWYER?

The Glendale police made 628 DUI arrests in 2024. The department doesn’t clarify how many of these arrests were due to alcohol only versus drugs. However, one research study adds some clarity to the situation: researchers with the National Safety Council tested 2,514 cases of suspected DUIs and found that the overall drug positivity rate was 79%, while only 40% tested positive for alcohol. Only 17% were positive for alcohol alone.

Arizona law enforcement officers tend to crack down harshly on those accused of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by any kind of intoxicating substance, including illegal and prescription drugs. If you were arrested on suspicion of driving while high, you should hire a drug DUI lawyer right away. It could make a world of difference in the outcome of your case.

How Police Investigate a Drug DUI in Glendale

If you’ve just been arrested, you might be wondering what goes into the subsequent investigation. Every case is different, but you can generally expect the Glendale police and the prosecutor’s office to consider:

• The arresting officer’s observations
• The results of field sobriety tests
• A case evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert
• Chemical testing results
• Statements or admissions made by you

There are no field tests equivalent to the breathalyzer for most drugs, so chemical testing usually takes place at the station following your detainment.

FAQs

Q: Can a Lawyer Get You Out of a Drug DUI in Arizona?

A: A lawyer may be able to get you out of a drug DUI in Arizona. Your lawyer can look for holes in the prosecution’s case, such as a lack of evidence or signs of police misconduct, including illegal stops. Your lawyer may also be able to get you out of a DUI by questioning the validity of chemical testing results.

Q: What Is the Average Retainer Fee for a Drug DUI Lawyer?

A: The average retainer fee for a drug DUI lawyer varies depending on the particulars of your case and your lawyer’s level of experience. You can get a clear idea of what to expect in terms of pricing by contacting a Glendale drug DUI attorney regarding your case and asking about fees and the fee structure.

Q: Can I Avoid Jail Time for a First Drug DUI in Arizona?

A: You may be able to avoid significant jail time for a first drug DUI in Arizona. There is a mandatory jail sentence of 10 days. However, it’s up to the judge’s discretion whether to suspend part of your sentence. In some cases, you may be placed on probation and have to participate in a drug education program.

Q: Is It Better to Have an Attorney or a Lawyer?

A: It is better to have an attorney, as only attorneys are licensed by the state bar association to practice in a court of law. However, it’s worth noting that in common parlance, lawyer and attorney are interchangeable terms. If you’re not sure whether your lawyer is also an attorney capable of representing you in court, ask about their litigation history.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A GLENDALE DRUG DUI LAWYER

Guidance is available from start to finish of your legal proceedings from a Glendale drug DUI lawyer at our firm. The team here at Grand Canyon Law Group has been defending clients against all forms of DUI charges for years. We have what it takes to resolve your drug DUI case successfully. If you’re facing driving while high charges, don’t assume the worst. Contact Grand Canyon Law Group today to schedule a consultation.

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