Maryland Drug DUI Lawyers
Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs?
Can you still get a DUI even if you aren’t drunk? DUI stands for “driving under the influence” and if you’re driving under the influence of cocaine, marijuana, opiates, or any other substance that may render you impaired, then you can definitely be charged with a DUI in Maryland.
However, actually convicting someone of a DUI for illicit drugs can be tricky. If you’re facing drug-related DUI charges, call on a qualified DUI attorney.
At Albers & Associates, we defend clients against all types of DUID charges in Maryland, including those that involve:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- MDMA
- Meth
- Opiates
- And more
Call (443) 665-8030 or send us a message online to find out how our Maryland drug DUI attorneys at Albers & Associates can help you fight your DUI charges. We have offices across the state, including Baltimore, Ellicott City, Westminster, Towson, and Phoenix.
Marijuana DUI Charges
Though the laws surrounding the possession of marijuana are changing, driving under the influence of any controlled or illegal substance still carries harsh penalties. The penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana are going to rival those of alcohol – that is to say, you’re still going to face the same kind of punishments you would in a more traditional DUI.
In 2014, possession of 10 grams of marijuana or less was decriminalized in the state of Maryland. If you are caught with 10 grams of marijuana or less in Maryland, you will face a $100 fine for your first offense. The crime is considered a civil offense and carries no jail time.
However, driving under the influence of marijuana is different. You will be treated as if you are driving under the influence of alcohol even though this is a non-alcohol-related DUI offense. You may lose your license, owe fines, and possibly be sent to jail. So, needless to say, if you find yourself in this situation, you need to contact a Maryland marijuana DUI attorney.
Prescription Drug DUI Charges
Medications that require a prescription are considered “controlled substances.” Most controlled substances are strictly regulated because of their dangerous, mind-altering, and/or addictive nature. Medications like Vicodin, Percocet, morphine, and other painkillers can have powerful effects on the mind and body, making it dangerous for you to drive.
Even if you have a prescription for the medication, you can still be charged with a DUI.
The reason is that, even though it’s legal to take the drug, you were not able to properly operate a motor vehicle safely at the time of your arrest. Though there is no roadside chemical test for prescription medications as there is for marijuana, you will still need the aid of a Maryland DUI drug lawyer to help plead your case.
Can You Get a DUI for Over-the-Counter Drugs?
When you think of the usual DUI suspects, you may not think about people who take Benadryl. However, some over-the-counter medications like Benadryl can impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, and thus, can qualify you for DUI charges.
At the end of the day, getting charged with a DUI is about whether or not you were impaired and operating a motor vehicle. If you were driving recklessly or violating rules of the road but not impaired, then your charges would be different. However, if the law can prove you are impaired in any capacity, you can end up being charged with DUI.
This is true even if the medication is over-the-counter or a prescription you are allowed to take. Just because you have a prescription for it doesn’t mean you can drive while on it.
Many over-the-counter drugs can have side effects that include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
Antihistamines, antidiarrheals, and anti-emetics can all potentially impair your driving if you experience the side effects which can accompany them.
Drug Recognition Experts in Maryland
Maryland is one of 44 other states that recognizes and employs the use of drug recognition experts. A drug recognition expert is an officer of the law specially trained to detect the signs of impairment from drugs.
Officers who do not have this training may not be as effective in determining whether or not you are under the influence of drugs. These types of small details in this area of law are why it is important to work with a Maryland drug DUI lawyer.
Why Work With Albers & Associates?
With so many attorneys to choose from, how do you know that you’re making the right choice? We understand your concern. What you need is someone who not only understands how to defend a DUI case, but someone who will do so aggressively and without judgment.
You need someone who has been recognized for their work in the field of DUI defense in Maryland. You need Albers & Associates. Give us a call today and let’s talk about how we can help you with your Maryland DUI case.
Call (443) 665-8030 or fill out our online consultation form to get started.