New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Defense Lawyers
Driving and Drugs in New Jersey
New Jersey has several laws pertaining to the operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, including legally prescribed drugs, illegal drugs and over-the-counter medication. If you have taken any drug that you suspect has impaired your ability to drive you shouldn't do so. If you were unaware of the drug's side effects, mixed the drugs with alcohol or consumed illegal drugs then you should contact a New Jersey DWI lawyer at our firm.
While the seriousness of the crime of driving while under the influence of drugs is very real, many times there are cases where people inadvertently took drugs without realizing the side effects. New Jersey law stipulates that any driver who is believed to be on prescription medication must show their prescription to a police officer. If the driver cannot furnish this information the drug is considered illegal. There are many problems legally with these procedures and many times they are found inadmissible in a DUI case.
Another common problem in New Jersey is when a police officer suspects a driver of being under the influence of some illegal drugs or narcotics. Police officers have been known to coerce drivers to reveal information that may be unnecessary or even illegal. In other cases it is very difficult to prove that a person was under the influence of illegal drugs because there are different standards for determining this. Police will often use field sobriety test results along with driving behavior to try and prove illegal drug use, even though neither clearly represents any relation to illegal drugs.
If you think you may be impaired in some way you should never drive. Symptoms of being on drugs and being too impaired to drive include excitability, excessive drowsiness, forgetfulness and sight-related problems. Always be sure and remember to speak with your healthcare provider regarding any potential side effects and any drug's interaction with any other substance (food, drink, or other medication).
If you have been convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs, a New Jersey DWI defense attorney can help you. Because the burden of proof lies with the state, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired to such an extent by these drugs that you could not legally operate your vehicle. This is a very difficult thing to do and is often only successful in the clearest cases.
The offices of Lependorf & Silverstein have dealt with DUI cases involving drug use throughout the state of New Jersey. We have years of experience in New Jersey's particular legal situations and can usually help any potential client. While our office is in Princeton we can handle cases throughout the state including Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, New Brunswick, Edison and Elizabeth.
We are one of the few New Jersey DUI attorney teams that offer free consultations on driving and drug use cases. Contact us today with any and all of your questions.
If you or a loved one has been accused or arrested for a DWI in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.
