DUI While High: How Drugs Are Affecting DUIs

 Posted on November 26, 2015 in DUI

Many people think a DUI only means drunk driving. But, DUI is more than just driving drunk. It is a crime in Illinois to operate a motor vehicle when impaired because of alcohol or drugs. The drugs can be illegal drugs or prescription drugs. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has reported an increase in accidents caused by drugged drivers, even as the number of drunk driving accidents continues to fall.

How Does Law Enforcement Know You Are High?

The police cannot pull your over without reasonable suspicion that you are committing a crime or traffic infraction. This means that if a police officer notices that your car is swerving, going at an unsafe speed, or violating any law, the officer can pull you over. Law enforcement has been trained to observe signs of impairment in drivers.

If the police officer believes you are impaired, you may be asked to get out of the car and take some tests. The officer may even ask you directly if you had anything to drunk or taken any drugs.

Some of the things police officers will be looking for at a traffic stop are your ability to focus your eyes and how clear your speech is. While every drug affects the human body differently, just like alcohol, many of them interfere with your coordination and your ability to control involuntary movements.

If the officer has probable cause that you are too impaired to drive, you will be arrested. You may be taken to a hospital and ordered to have your blood drawn. Your blood will be tested to see if you have been drinking or taking any substances that might impair your ability to drive.

Additional Consequences for DUI While on Drugs

When you are arrested for DUI, your vehicle is impounded. The police have the right to search your vehicle. If there are any illegal drugs in your car you will not only be facing a DUI, but drug possession charges as well.

When you are arrested for a DUI, an administrative process to suspend your driver’s license often begins. If you are found not guilty of the DUI or it is dismissed, you may be able to get the license suspension reversed.