Richmond DUI Drug Enforcement

An individual can be charged with driving under the influence of drugs when they are either driving in erratically or are impaired after a stop and the officers conduct tests. They can be charged not only with DUI Drug for use of marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, but also for prescription drugs- whether or not they’re prescribed by a doctor. If you are charged it is important you consult with a Richmond DUI drug lawyer as soon as possible to provide yourself with the best chance to overcome your charge and keep your license.

Are DUI Drug Charges Common in Richmond?

DUI drug charges are actually not very common in Virginia, since, in many cases, officers are reluctant to require individuals to submit to blood tests. In other cases, officers cannot see the indicators of drug use. However, when a person is charged with a drug DUI, the prosecutors will seek convictions and severe punishment, which the Court’s will impose if a positive drug test is obtained.

DUI Drug Stops

Drug DUI stops are similar to a normal DUI stop in that the officer will ask the same sort of questions and conduct the same field tests as they do for standard DUI stops. The difference is that instead of taking you to a police station for the alcohol test, the police will take you to a local hospital to have your blood drawn.

How Do Police Officers Look For Evidence Of Drug Use At A Traffic Stop?

The officer will look for indicators of impairment, such as:

  • Slurred or stammering speech or
  • Glassy or blood shot eyes

The officer will evaluate your ability to follow instructions, communicate, and complete the tests.  Officers will also look for other indicators of drug use like the smell of drug use, drug paraphernalia, and the drugs themselves.

Will Police Used Field Sobriety Tests?

In DUI Drug cases, the officer will use the field tests not only to check your coordination but also to kind of gauge your ability to comprehend and follow instructions. For example, they will use the horizontal gaze nystagmus test to get bearing on your eyes. Glassy or bloodshot eyes are indicators of drug use to police. Officers will use tests to determine your ability to communicate and follow instructions as well as monitor if your coordination is impaired.

Are Drug DUI Cases a Priority For Richmond Law Enforcement?

All DUI cases, including DUI drug cases, are a priority for law enforcement in Virginia. These cases are a public safety concern for the City due to the number of DUID related accidents and fatalities over the years.  In addition, there are multiple colleges in the City as well as a large young adult population who on averages are more likely to receive these charges and engage in this behavior.

DUID Charges Involving Marijuana

Marijuana related charges, for possession and distribution, are less severe than they have been in the past. In fact, the laws pertaining to marijuana are changing throughout the country.  However, if an officer can show significant signs of impairment through either failure of road tests, field sobriety tests, or blood tests, an officer can charge you with a DUID.