Montgomery County Drug DUI Defense Lawyer
Being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances, or any combination of these is a severe crime in Pennsylvania that can lead to both short and long-term adverse consequences. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), DUI-drug arrests are a growing concern, with rates of arrests sharply increasing in recent years. In 2018, there were a reported 33,712 charges for drug-based DUIs in Pennsylvania—a 28 percent spike from the prior three years. As a result, Pennsylvania law officials take a firm position against drugged driving to discourage others from acting in the same way.
Charged With Drug DUI And Have Questions? We Can Help, Tell Us What Happened.
If you are facing drug or DUI criminal charges, it is critical that you consult with a drug DUI defense lawyer. Fully understanding your own constitutional rights and the limitations on the police and government’s power can make a significant difference as you fight the charges against you. The drug DUI defense attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. can help you understand and protect your rights as you develop your defense strategy.
- What Are Some Common Drug and DUI Criminal Charges?
- What Happens If I’m Pulled Over For Drugged Driving In PA?
- What Are The Penalties For Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs In PA?
- Helping You Avert The Consequences Of A Drug-Related DUI
- Contact a Drug DUI Defense Lawyer at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
What Are Some Common Drug and DUI Criminal Charges?
Every criminal defendant deserves a competent and vigorous legal defense. The defense attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. provide over sixty-five years of experience in advocating for clients who are facing drug and DUI charges. We evaluate the facts and evidence of each case to help our clients prepare the strongest possible defense.
Some of the common DUI offenses against which we have helped clients defend include:
- First-offense DUI
- Multiple DUI offenses
- Commercial driver DUI
- Underage drinking
In addition to DUI offenses, we also help clients defend against drug charges. Some of the common drug criminal charges we have handled include:
- Drug possession
- Drug distribution or trafficking
- Drug cultivation
- Drug manufacturing
- Prescription fraud or doctor shopping
Drug possession charges typically involve club drugs (ecstasy/molly), crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamines (meth/crystal meth), or other narcotics. Sometimes, these allegations involve illegal prescription drugs. Authorities often accuse defendants of shopping for multiple doctors to provide prescriptions for a single medical problem or forging prescriptions so they can fill them at more than one pharmacy.
Get Advice From An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. All You Have To Do Is Call 215-822-7575 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.
What Happens If I’m Pulled Over For Drugged Driving In PA?
You may be arrested for a drug-based DUI if Pennsylvania police have reasonable suspicion that you are driving impaired. Suppose the arresting officer reasonably believes that you are committing a drugged driving offense. In that case, they could require you to perform field sobriety tests or, in most instances, have you tested for drugs.
While Pennsylvania police typically do not effectively test the breath for drugs during a DUI stop, they typically will ask you to submit to a blood or urine test. However, police must obtain a search warrant before drawing your blood for DUI testing, if you do not consent
Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law
Note that every person holding a Pennsylvania driver’s license has given their implied consent to be tested for alcohol or drugs if law enforcement suspects them of drunk or drugged driving. While you can refuse the DUI test, you will, in most cases, lose your driving privileges for up to 12 months. Further, your refusal can be admitted as evidence in future legal action.
If you were arrested for a drug-based DUI, your Pennsylvania drug DUI defense lawyer would thoroughly examine all steps taken by law enforcement leading to your arrest. If there was a DUI test, the failure to follow proper procedure could result in the test being suppressed in your case, which may result in your charges being dropped.
What Are The Penalties For Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs In PA?
Law enforcement rigorously prosecutes DUI cases in Pennsylvania. If you’ve been charged with a drug DUI, you could face the following penalties:
First Drug DUI Offense:
- Detention between 72 hours to six months
- Fines between $1,000 to $5,000
- License suspension for up to 18 months
Second Drug DUI Offense:
- Between 90 days to six months in jail
- Fines between $1,500 to $10,000
- One year of the ignition interlock program
Multiple Drug DUI Offense:
- Felony DUI Charges
- Between one to five years in prison
- Fines between $2,500 to $10,000
- One year of the ignition interlock program
Penalties for drug-based DUIs may also include community service of up to 150 hours along with treatment programs such as the alcohol highway safety school. Additionally, your license may be suspended for up to 18 months, even with a first-time drug DUI.
Helping You Avert The Consequences Of A Drug-Related DUI
Building a powerful defense in a drug DUI case can be extremely difficult on your own. If you have never gone through the judicial system, it can be intimidating to face such serious allegations. A potential defense strategy your drug DUI defense lawyer will be able to use is to contest the arresting officer’s reasonable suspicion for stopping your vehicle and the probable cause that led to your arrest.
Additionally, your lawyer may be able to question the accuracy of your drug test to defend against drugged driving charges. Building a robust defense in drug-related DUI cases necessitates experience and meticulous attention to detail. Get in touch with a seasoned drug DUI lawyer at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. as soon as possible for reliable legal help with your case.
Contact a Drug DUI Defense Lawyer at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or controlled substances in Pennsylvania, contact a skilled drug DUI defense attorney at your earliest opportunity. The penalties are severe for drug-based DUIs. However, with a drug DUI defense lawyer from Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., it may be possible to challenge the prosecution’s evidence through a strategic and effective defense.
The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford have advocated for clients’ rights for over 65 years in Montgomery County, Bucks County, and across Southeastern Pennsylvania. With a criminal defense team that includes former prosecutors, we provide invaluable insight into both sides of the legal process. Talk to a seasoned drug DUI defense attorney about your situation by scheduling a free consultation. Call us at (215) 798-7081 or complete our online contact form today.