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Posted on July 15, 2014 in DUI Case
If you are ever in a situation where you are being accused of driving under the influence of drugs (prescription or illicit), it is important to know that you may be asked to take a DRE examination. A drug recognition evaluator (DRE) is a police officer who took a class which purported to teach him or her how to recognize impairment in drivers under theinfluence of drugs other than or in addition to alcohol. These officers are given basic instruction on the effects of different types of drugs on a human body as it relates to DUI’s. As with alcohol related DUI’s, Attorney Craig Rosenstein wants you to know that it is unwise to dothe roadside balancing tests or submit to the drug recognition evaluation. It would be wise to firmly but respectfully decline to take any type of field sobriety test (balancing tests) or DRE examination, because the information that is gathered always presumes impairment and is one sided and lacks scientific reliability.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) coordinates DRE certification courses with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation to educate officers, prosecutors and judges in the prosecution of drugged drivers. This program was set up in the 1970’s when Los Angelespolice officers noticed drivers being arrested for DUI, but having very low or zero alcohol concentrations. This led the officers to believe they were under the influence of drugs, but did not have the knowledge and skill to support their suspicions. That is when a multi-step protocol was established in order to recognize drug influenced drivers.
Although it is a positive thing for officers to be well educated in DUI drug symptoms, civilians need to be aware of their rights and know that it is unwise to comply with an officer’s request to be examined by a drug recognition expert. Arizona drug crime laws are some of the toughest in the nation, so when facing drug charges you must quickly protectyour rights and reputation by retaining an experienced and aggressive DUI defense attorney.
Attorney Craig Rosenstein is certified in chemical testing, so he knows how to read drug results and challenge protocol. He, along with our other attorneys, are very knowledgeable and dedicated to each and every case, making sure that your rights were notviolated and getting the best outcome possible. Call us today at 480-248-7666 for your free consultation.