Facing a drugged driving charge in Michigan can be stressful and confusing. These are still Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) cases, but they often involve complex testing procedures and unclear impairment standards. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we defend clients throughout Metro Detroit, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and the surrounding counties. Contact us if you’re facing these serious charges and want an attorney who truly understands both the law and the person behind the case.
Understanding Michigan Drugged Driving Laws
In Michigan, drugged driving falls under the state’s OWI law and makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by any substance, even if it’s prescribed for you. (OWI is what DUI is referred to as in Michigan.) Thus, it is illegal to drive under the influence of any drug or substance that affects your ability to drive safely. This includes illegal drugs, prescription medications, and even over-the-counter remedies that cause drowsiness or slow reaction times.
Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, there’s no specific legal limit for drugs. Prosecutors must prove at least some impairment, often based on subjective observations and unreliable test results. Because drug testing can be inaccurate, these cases require careful examination of every detail, including all police observations, body cam and dash cam video, as well as how the evidence was collected to how it was tested and/or interpreted.
Common Substances Linked to Drugged Driving Charges
Drugged driving doesn’t always involve illegal drugs. Many people face charges after taking medication as prescribed. Substances frequently involved in OWI cases include:
- Marijuana – Even with legal recreational and medical use, driving while impaired remains prohibited.
- Prescription opioids – Painkillers like oxycodone or hydrocodone can cause fatigue and slow reflexes.
- Benzodiazepines – Medications such as Xanax or Valium can affect coordination and decision-making.
- Antidepressants and sleep aids – Certain medications can reduce focus or cause delayed reaction times.
- Illegal narcotics – Heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances carry severe penalties.
Because everyone reacts differently to medication, even a small amount in your system can raise questions about impairment. That’s why a strategic defense is so important.
Penalties for Drugged Driving in Michigan
Drugged driving penalties are the same as for regular alcohol-related OWI offenses. Of course, they can be serious and long-lasting. Depending on your record and the circumstances, you could face:
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Jail time or probation
- Fines and court fees
- Mandatory treatment or counseling programs
- Community service requirements
- Ignition interlock installation for repeat offenses
- Harsher penalties if a minor was in the vehicle or if someone was injured
At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, our goal is to protect your freedom, your driver’s license, and your record. The goal in every OWI or DUI case is to get the case dismissed, but when the evidence is strong enough to withstand a legal challenge, then our focus shifts to avoiding as many of the legal penalties and negative consequences as possible.
With our team at your side, we’ll make sure you can move forward unburdened by what is most often a mistake in judgment. We pride ourselves on helping good people out of bad situations.
How Police Build Drugged Driving Cases
Police officers rely on several tools and observations to determine impairment, such as:
- Field sobriety tests
- Blood or urine chemical tests
- Evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)
- Dash cam or body cam footage
These methods are far from perfect. Testing procedures can be flawed, samples mishandled, or results misinterpreted. Our attorneys will carefully examine every step of the process and challenge anything that’s not legally sound to protect your rights and expose weak evidence.
Why Local Representation Matters
If your arrest occurred in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, or another surrounding county, hiring a local defense lawyer offers a significant advantage. Each court has its own procedures and expectations. Our team knows how prosecutors and judges in the local district and circuit courts handle drugged driving cases. We know what will fly, and what won’t.
That experience enables us to negotiate effectively and present your defense in the most strategically helpful way possible.
About Jeffrey Randa and Associates
Since 1993, Jeffrey Randa and Associates has served clients across Michigan with a compassionate, informed approach to criminal defense. What sets us apart is Jeffrey Randa’s training in addiction studies, which gives us a deeper understanding of substance use and recovery. This insight helps us protect clients from unnecessary treatment orders and, when appropriate, connect them with meaningful recovery resources when there is an underlying problem.
FAQs About Michigan Drugged Driving Cases
Can drugged driving charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Charges may be dismissed if evidence was collected improperly, test results were unreliable, or your rights were violated. Even if the evidence against you is solid, our experienced attorneys can often negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser offense and/or an alternative sentencing option.
What if I have a medical marijuana card?
Having a valid card doesn’t protect you from a drugged driving charge. The question is whether your driving was impaired. Even so, we may be able to challenge assumptions of impairment based on lawful marijuana use.
Will a drugged driving arrest affect my insurance?
Yes, it can. If convicted of any kind of OWI-related charge, an insurer is likely to see you as a higher-risk, and that presents an opportunity for them to charge more. A strong legal defense can help protect your record and minimize the financial impact you’ll face.
Contact Our Experienced Michigan Drugged Driving Attorneys
If you’re facing any kind of drugged driving charges in the Greater-Detroit area of Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, or one of the surrounding counties, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you act, the better your chances of keeping your license and avoiding harsh penalties.
At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we offer free, confidential phone consultations—no waiting, no pressure. We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions, explain things, and start building your defense immediately.