Drugged Driving Lawyer Nashville, TN

Defense for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in TN

In recent years, there has been an explosion of arrests and convictions involving driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs, also referred to as drugged driving or DUI of drugs, can result in jail time, fines, loss of driver's license, mandatory drug treatment, and other penalties. In addition, a drugged driving conviction on your record can prevent you from getting a job, a place to live, a professional license, or acceptance into a graduate school program.

At May McKinney, we are dedicated to defending clients accused of driving after taking a street drug or a prescription medication. With extensive training and experience in DUI defense, we are uniquely qualified to challenge misdemeanor or felony charges involving drugged driving.

Accused of drugged driving? Don't face the charges alone. Contact us today at (615) 265-6383 for expert legal defense.

Our Lawyers Are Experienced in Drugged Driving Defense

If you have been arrested, it is important to discuss your options with a Nashville drugged driving lawyer who knows how to help. We have successfully defended clients charged with DUI involving:

• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• OxyContin
• Oxycodone
• Ambien
• Fortabs
• Over-the-counter medication

You could be taking a prescription drug under a valid prescription and still be arrested for driving under the influence, if the arresting officer believes that the drug impaired your ability to drive.

Common Drugs Involved in DUI Cases

Drugged driving charges can arise from a wide range of substances, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illicit street drugs. Here are some common drugs that often lead to DUI charges:

Prescription Drugs
Many prescription medications can impair a person’s ability to drive safely. Some of the most common types include:

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) – Often prescribed for anxiety, these drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
• Antidepressants (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft) – These can affect mood and cognitive functions, leading to potential impairment while driving.
• Opioids (e.g., OxyContin, Vicodin) – Painkillers like opioids can make drivers drowsy, reduce reaction time, and impair judgment.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
While OTC drugs are commonly used, they can still impair driving abilities. Common examples include:

• Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) – These can cause drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
• Cold Medicines (e.g., Nyquil, Dayquil) – These often contain ingredients that can lead to sedation and delayed reaction times.

Street Drugs
Illegal drugs that impair driving are also a major factor in DUI cases. These include:

• Heroin – Can cause extreme drowsiness and slow reaction times.
• Methamphetamine – Known to cause hyperactivity, impaired judgment, and reckless driving.
• Cocaine – Can cause erratic behavior, poor decision-making, and heightened aggression.

Marijuana and Legal Status in Tennessee
While marijuana is legalized in some states, it remains illegal in Tennessee. Using marijuana can lead to DUI charges due to its impairing effects, including slowed reaction times, difficulty focusing, and altered coordination.

Penalties for Drugged Driving in Tennessee

The consequences for a drugged driving conviction in Tennessee can be severe, and may include:

• Fines and Court Costs – Convictions can result in substantial fines, along with mandatory court fees.
• License Suspension – Drivers may face suspension of their driver’s license for a set period of time.
• Mandatory Drug Education or Treatment – In many cases, offenders may be required to attend drug education or complete treatment programs.
• Jail Time or Probation – Depending on the severity of the offense, drivers may face jail time or probation.
• Increased Penalties for Subsequent Offenses – Penalties become harsher if the offender has prior convictions for drugged driving.

Understanding the Science Behind Drugged Driving

Drugged driving impairment is complex and differs from alcohol impairment. Here's a closer look at the science:

• Drug Impairment – Certain drugs affect the brain, body, and nervous system, impairing cognitive functions and motor skills. This can affect coordination, reaction times, and decision-making.
• Measuring Impairment – Unlike alcohol, there are no standard tests (like a breathalyzer) for measuring impairment from drugs. Law enforcement often relies on blood tests or urine tests to detect the presence of drugs.
  • Blood Testing – Used to measure the concentration of drugs in the bloodstream, but it can be difficult to link specific levels to impairment.
  • Urine Testing – Detects drug metabolites, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect current impairment levels.
• Challenges in DUI Cases – Determining whether a driver is impaired by drugs is more complicated than alcohol-related DUI cases. The presence of drugs in the system does not always correlate with impairment. That’s why expert testimony and thorough defense analysis are essential in challenging drugged driving charges.

Understanding the complex factors involved in drugged driving cases is key to mounting a successful defense. If you’ve been arrested, consult with an experienced attorney to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drugged Driving in Tennessee

• Can I be arrested for drugged driving if I have a prescription for the drug?
  Yes, you can still be arrested for drugged driving even if you have a prescription. If the police believe that the drug impaired your ability to drive, you can be charged with DUI of drugs. It is important to consult with an attorney to evaluate whether the drug’s effects may have contributed to your impairment.
• How do police determine if a driver is under the influence of drugs?
  Police may use field sobriety tests, a drug recognition expert (DRE) evaluation, and chemical tests like blood or urine tests to determine if a driver is under the influence of drugs. These tests help officers assess impairment and gather evidence for the DUI charge.
• What should I do if I’m pulled over for suspected drugged driving?
  If you’re pulled over, it’s important to remain calm and polite. You are not obligated to perform field sobriety tests, but refusing chemical tests like blood or urine may lead to automatic penalties, including license suspension. It’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to navigate your defense.
• Is marijuana use legal in Tennessee, and can I be arrested for DUI if I use it?
  No, marijuana remains illegal in Tennessee. If you are caught driving under the influence of marijuana, even if you have a medical card from another state, you can be charged with DUI of drugs.
• Can I challenge drugged driving charges if there was no physical evidence of impairment?
  Yes, it’s possible to challenge drugged driving charges if there’s no physical evidence of impairment. Your attorney can argue that the drug did not affect your ability to drive or challenge the methods used to test for impairment. A lack of physical evidence may weaken the prosecution’s case.
• How long can a drugged driving case take to resolve?
  The timeline for resolving a drugged driving case can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the available evidence. It may take several months to a year to reach a verdict, especially if the case goes to trial or involves additional legal proceedings.
• Can my DUI charge be reduced to a lesser offense?
  In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the charge to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving. This will depend on the facts of the case, the evidence available, and the prosecutor’s willingness to negotiate. A skilled attorney will work to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.

Building a Compelling Case Against DUI of Drugs

A successful defense of drugged driving charges requires knowledge of the science involved in these cases. Our Nashville drugged driving attorneys work with respected experts in toxicology who can analyze the evidence, including toxicology reports, and determine if our client had taken a therapeutic or toxic level of the substance.

We will also carefully examine whether the police followed proper procedures during the traffic stop and arrest. If they performed field sobriety tests, for example, we will thoroughly evaluate whether the results they obtained are valid evidence upon which to pursue a conviction. 

Facing DUI of drugs charges? Our experienced team is here to help. Call (615) 265-6383 now and contact us for a consultation.