Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Operating your vehicle under the influence of any drug or substance is illegal in Illinois. While most take that to mean controlled substances, it can also include over-the-counter cold remedies or prescription drugs that have unintended side effects.
Whether it is Benadryl or barbiturates, being arrested in Benton on DUI charges is complicated. While driving under the influence of drugs may cause the same erratic driving as being drunk, the underlying physiological cause is different and poses additional proof problems for law enforcement.
A Benton DUI arrest for drugs, alcohol, or both is a serious matter. Experienced with the process and penalties of impaired driving charges, the attorneys at Patchett Law Office start building your DUI defense as soon as you contact us.
Understanding DUI charges in Benton
Law enforcement in Benton must have probable cause to pull you over. This may take the form of observing you driving too fast, too slow, or driving erratically. Police will conduct an evaluation that includes the following:
- The police will ask to review your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card.
- The officers will question you informally about your activities and destination. While you may be nervous, you need not answer questions posed by law enforcement. In Benton, experienced attorneys handling DUI charges advise against providing police with probable cause to arrest you or search your car.
- If police suspect you are driving impaired, you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests.
- Based on their evaluation, Benton law enforcement may arrest you on a DUI charge and transport you for a chemical test at a police facility.
Consent to chemical testing of blood, breath, and urine is implied if you possess a valid Illinois driver's license. In Illinois, while registering a BAC of .08 or more will result in a statutory summary suspension of your driver's license, the presence of drugs without alcohol consumption will not be revealed with a breath test. If a chemical blood or urine test reveals illegal substances, or possibly intoxicating compounds, you will receive notice of a statutory summary suspension to take effect on the 46th day following your DUI arrest.
Unlike BAC, chemical evidence of drug use is not always consistent and may provide opportunity for your lawyer to contest or fight your DUI arrest in Benton. Because the proof process for drug intoxication differs from alcohol intoxication, contacting an attorney quickly upon arrest is vital.
Get help with your Benton DUI arrest
If you face DUI charges after arrest in Benton, contact Patchett Law Offices. Our lawyers provide tough, honest representation to obtain the best possible outcome for the facts of your DUI case. When your future and your freedom are on the line when arrested for DUI, our attorneys can help. Contact Patchett Law Office to set up a free consultation.
