Criminal Offense of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

The criminal offense of driving under the influence of drugs is similar to the criminal offense of driving while under the influence of alcohol. The crime of driving under the influence of drugs is codified and defined in the same statute as drunk driving in most states. The elements of driving under the influence of drugs are also virtually identical to the elements for drunk driving.

Consequences for Refusing to Submit to Blood Alcohol or Field Sobriety Tests

As chemical testing has evolved into a much relied on prosecution tool, ''implied consent'' laws have evolved to defeat the drunk driver's inclination to refuse to consent to such testing. An implied consent statute does not command that a person suspected of driving while intoxicated be forced to submit to a chemical test; rather, the person may refuse to take a chemical test of his or her blood, breath or urine, but if certain statutorily prescribed procedures are complied with, such a refusal does not go unpunished.

Impact of DUI/DWI Conviction on Obtaining Employment

Although most convictions from drunk driving are misdemeanors, any person convicted of drunk driving will have a criminal record. Drunk driving convictions can affect your ability to obtain or continue your employment. The majority of employers will run a background check on you and discover that you have been convicted of a drunk driving offense. For many employers, this will automatically disqualify you from employment.

Admissibility of Evidence of Drug Use in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Cases

The finding of a drug of abuse in a subject's blood or urine may result in extreme prejudice against the defendant even if evidence of impairment is not convincing. The mere presence of such a controlled substance may be enough for conviction. For this reason, many courts require probable cause for suspecting drug impairment before a sample can be taken and/or analyzed for the drug. The Drug Evaluation and Classification program (DRE) evaluation in some cases will be enough to show probable cause.

Overview of License Violations

State statutes require drivers or motor vehicle operators to obtain a driver's license in order to drive on the public roads and highways. These statutes are intended to promote safety on the roadways by ensuring that there is a minimum level of competence and skill by all drivers. The statutes further serve as a device for the efficient enforcement of police regulations that govern the use of public roadways. There are various laws and regulations that must be followed by all motorists holding driver's licenses.