Georgia Driving Under The Influence of Drugs

Did you know you could be charged with driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) in Georgia if you have legal medications in your system? It’s true—Georgia drivers can be charged with DUID after using any substance that can potentially impair their driving abilities, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs. In fact, under this law, even caffeine could potentially warrant an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs. Unfortunately, this means that many drivers are arrested for DUID without even knowing they are violating the law.

Unlike alcohol, there is no standard way to determine a person’s level of intoxication when it comes to drug use. Whereas alcohol can be detected in breath tests and measured by blood alcohol content (BAC), officers rely solely upon the driver’s behaviors to determine whether he or she is under the influence of drugs.

To prove you are guilty of DUID, the officer who arrested you may testify about your behavior at the time you were charged. If you were unable to perform one or more field sobriety tests, for example, this may be used as evidence against you in court.

Despite the subjective nature of the evidence used in DUID cases, the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are no less severe than those for drinking and driving. In addition to losing your driving privileges for a year or more, you may be sentenced to jail time, probation, and fined hundreds of dollars if convicted of the offense. In some cases, the judge may also require you to perform community service or undergo treatment for substance abuse. If you are a repeat offender or operate a commercial vehicle, you may face even more penalties.

You may also experience long-term consequences for your conviction. Once your insurance provider learns you were found guilty of driving under the influence, for example, you can expect your rates to skyrocket—often increasing two to three times more than your current rates. In fact, some insurance companies may refuse to cover you at all.

A flawed criminal record can also jeopardize future opportunities. Many employers are reluctant to hire a person who has a history of criminal activity, and convicted DUID offenders are often ineligible for certain housing and educational programs.

The good news is that, if you have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs in Georgia, there are many ways to challenge your arrest. In fact, with the right attorney, many drivers are able to reduce or eliminate their charges and, in turn, avoid the devastating impact of a DUID conviction.

To determine the best defense strategy for your case, contact attorneys Lee Webb and Greg Willis today. As an exclusive DUI/DUID defense firm, we have the knowledge and experience to fight the charges against you and help you obtain the best possible outcome in court.

Put two of the most successful DUID defense attorneys to work for you. Contact the Law Offices of Webb and Willis today for a free case evaluation. We’re available 24/7 via phone, text, email, and Facebook.

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