Virginia Beach Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Virginia has some of the nation’s toughest driving under the influence (DUI) laws, with the penalties for a DUI conviction often including a mandatory license suspension, fines, and even jail time. Contrary to popular belief, DUI does not only apply to alcohol use, and drivers can also be charged for drug use. If you were recently charged with driving under the influence of drugs, you should contact an experienced Virginia Beach defense attorney immediately.

Under Virginia state law, any substance that can impair a person’s driving abilities can be classified as a drug. As a result, if you are driving impaired, and chemical testing indicates the presence of drugs in your system, you could be charged with DUI.

Even if chemical testing reveals no sign of illegal drugs, you may still be charged with driving under the influence of drugs if your test results indicate that you used any type of prescription or over-the-counter medication. From a legal perspective, even substances such as coffee and caffeine have the potential to impair a person’s driving abilities and warrant DUI charges. 

Since there is no national standard to determine a person’s level of impairment from drugs, police officers in Virginia are trained to identify signs of drug use. After completing this training program, officers are recognized as Drug Recognition Experts, and deemed qualified for presenting evidence in court. As a result, any testimony he or she provides about your appearance or behavior at the time of your arrest may be used as evidence against you in court.

As a Class 1 misdemeanor, the sentence for driving under the influence of drugs may include a $2,500 fine, one year in jail, and a one-year license suspension. Although most first offenders will not receive jail time, probation may be required. Individuals with prior DUI convictions may also face additional penalties.

Your DUI will continue to haunt you long after you’ve served your sentence. Because driving under the influence of drugs is a criminal offense in Virginia, your conviction will remain on your criminal record for 11 years or more. This means anyone who checks your background will know you were found guilty of driving under the influence—which could jeopardize future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Your insurance rates will also skyrocket once your insurer discovers your DUI conviction.

Fortunately, with a skilled defense attorney on your side, you may be able to reduce the many penalties of a DUI conviction. Attorney Michael C. Tillotson represents clients who have been accused of driving under the influence of drugs in Virginia Beach, and will use his extensive knowledge of Virginia DUI laws to ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. From challenging testimony to analyzing the chemical test results, attorney Michael C. Tillotson provides the aggressive legal defense you need. Call today for a free consultation on your case.