While most people associate DUIs with alcohol, Georgia law also applies its DUI laws to drug use that leads to impaired driving. Under Georgia statute, drug-related DUI charges can arise when a person uses a vehicle while under the influence of a drug that makes them less safe to drive, or where testing makes clear that the individual has marijuana or another controlled substance in their body at the time.
Understanding the Circumstances of a Drug DUI
Drug DUI charges can involve a variety of substances, including prescription medications, marijuana, or other illegal drugs. Unlike alcohol, there is not a particular threshold that establishes an unacceptable amount of drugs in an individual’s system. Instead, courts look to evidence of whether the drugs impaired a driver such that they were less safe to drive or if the driver had marijuana or other controlled substance in their blood or urine.
Navigating a Drug DUI Charge
Drug DUI charges in Georgia can be very different from alcohol-related charges, involving unique technical evidence and legal questions depending on the substance at issue. For example, whether the driver had a prescription for the substance they used will affect the evidence presented to the court.
Village Counsel Law Firm helps Georgia residents facing Drug DUI allegations understand the criminal legal process, relevant evidence, and available defenses. If you are facing possible Drug DUI proceedings and need legal assistance, contact our office today.