In Peoria, like the rest of Arizona, it’s unlawful for any person under the influence of any drugs to drive or be in physical control of any vehicle. Drugs defined under A.R.S. § 13-3401 include marijuana, narcotics, dangerous drugs, and prescription medications (without a valid prescription). You can be charged with a DUI for legally prescribed medications if you’re caught using the drug outside the doctor’s recommendations or if a police officer thinks the drug-impaired your ability to drive.
Arizona also has a unique statute for the criminalization of drugged driving. It’s irrelevant if you’re impaired when driving, but it matters if drug metabolites are found in your system. This means even if you used a drug like marijuana a few weeks from being pulled over, it could still count as a drug DUI.
Drugged Driving Penalties in Peoria
Like with DUI alcohol, the charges for drugged DUI are severe. A first offense drug DUI is a Class 1 Misdemeanor. The penalties include:
A minimum potential jail sentence of 10 days (of which 9 can be suspended upon drug screening and treatment) to six months
A fine of up to $2,500 plus surcharges
Probation for up to 5 years
Significant hours in alcohol/drug screening and treatment
One year of license suspension without the ability to obtain a restricted driver’s license during that time.
If you have a prior DUI conviction within 7 seven years of your second Drug DUI charge, the minimum penalty includes 30 days of jail, alcohol/drug screening treatment, and up to five years of probation.
Contact an Experienced DUI Drugs Defense Attorney in Peoria
You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to seek top-notch representation for your DUI drug case. Our legal team includes experienced DUI lawyers who have worked on 1000’s of DUI cases, who will help you apply aggressive defense strategies to every aspect of your case. We will even give you a free consultation to evaluate your initial case. Click here to contact us or call us at 480-248-7666. We are here for you 24/7 at any time of day or night.
