Michigan Drugged Driving Lawyer

Michigan Drugged Driving Attorney

Facing a drugged driving charge in Michigan means facing serious legal consequences that involve complex drug testing and impairment standards. That’s where an experienced Michigan drugged driving lawyer can step in.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we understand how important it is to have a knowledgeable, experienced lawyer by your side who knows the ins and outs of Michigan drugged driving laws.

About Jeffrey Randa and Associates

Since 1993, Jeffrey Randa and Associates has been serving clients throughout Michigan and Metro-Detroit with a compassionate and informed approach to legal defense.

Our firm stands out because of Jeffrey Randa’s training in addiction studies, which gives us unique insight into the complexities of substance use and recovery. This knowledge allows us to provide not only strong legal representation but also meaningful support tailored to every single client.

That background makes us uniquely equipped to help you avoid getting ordered into counseling or treatment if you don’t need it. On the other hand, if your relationship to substances has become troublesome, or you just want to explore it, we can guide you in the right direction for that, as well.

With extensive experience and a client-focused philosophy, we’re dedicated to protecting you from the consequences of a bad decision, and helping you rebuild your life and regain control of your future.

Understanding Michigan Drugged Driving Laws

With over 11,600 people killed in 2020 due to impaired driving, one person dying every 42 minutes, and 30% of all those convicted nationwide turning out to be repeat offenders, the law takes driving under the influence of any substance very seriously.

In Michigan, it’s illegal to drive while you’re impaired by any drug or substance that affects your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drugs, in this case, do not just include illegal narcotics but also medications. The key is that whatever you take cannot affect your ability to react to the road.

Unlike alcohol, where there’s a clear legal limit, drugged driving laws focus more on whether your driving is impaired. Because drug testing can be complicated and sometimes unreliable, these cases require a careful, experienced defense to ensure your rights are protected.

Common Drugs Involved in Drugged Driving Charges

Drugged driving charges come from a range of substances, not just illegal drugs. Prescription medications and even some over-the-counter drugs can impair your ability to drive safely and lead you into serious legal trouble. Some of the most common culprits in drugged driving cases include:

• Marijuana. Despite recent legalization for recreational and medical use, marijuana remains one of the leading substances in drugged driving cases.
• Prescription opioids. Drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reaction times.
• Benzodiazepines. Medications like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, often prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders, can impair motor skills and judgment.
• Sleep aids and antidepressants. Even legally obtained medications for depression or insomnia could have side effects that impact your driving ability.
• Illegal narcotics. Heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamines, and other controlled substances could pose serious risks behind the wheel.

Each of these drugs can affect individuals differently, and the presence of any in your system could be enough to trigger drugged driving penalties. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we have the knowledge and resources to build a strong defense tailored to your exact situation.

Drugged Driving Penalties in Michigan

Drugged driving penalties can be severe. They vary based on factors like any prior offenses you might have had and the circumstances surrounding the case. Even a first-time conviction can have significant consequences that impact your driving privileges, freedom, and future opportunities. Some of the most common drugged driving penalties in Michigan include:

• License suspension or revocation
• Being ordered to enroll in and complete a counseling and/or treatment program
• Possible jail or prison sentences for repeat or enhanced offenses
• Mandatory community service
• Fines and court fees
• Probation with all kinds of drug testing and other requirements
• Enhanced penalties if a minor was present in the vehicle or if the offense resulted in injury or death

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we’re committed to fighting for the most favorable outcome in your case while helping you navigate the complexities of Michigan’s drugged driving laws.

When all is said and done, the goal is to either get the charge against you dismissed completely, or if the evidence is strong enough to prevent that, then to avoid as many of the legal penalties and negative consequences as possible.

Our firm lives by the motto that success in a DUI or drugged driving case is best measured by what does NOT happen to you.

Hire a Drugged Driving Lawyer: Local Representation Matters

When you’re facing drugged driving charges, hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference, and local representation offers unique advantages that you won’t find with attorneys from the other side of the state. Michigan’s legal landscape varies from county to county, and hiring a lawyer who knows the local courts, judges, and prosecutors can provide a strategic edge in your defense.

With deep roots in Michigan, Jeffrey Randa and Associates’ local team of attorneys is familiar with the specific procedures and expectations in the courthouses of the Greater-Detroit area of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and the surrounding counties. We know how cases are handled in these courts, and that allows us to negotiate effectively, and tailor defense strategies that fit the local legal culture.

Knowing what works best – and what won’t fly – in the court where your case is pending is key to getting the best result possible.

FAQs

How Do Police Determine if Someone Is Driving Under the Influence of Drugs?

Police use a combination of observations, field sobriety tests, and chemical tests like blood or urine analysis to determine if someone is driving under the influence of drugs. Officers also watch out for signs like erratic driving, impaired coordination, or physical symptoms, like dilated pupils. They could also call in a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) trained to identify drug impairment. However, these methods aren’t foolproof, and mistakes happen, so having an experience DUI (drugged driving) lawyer review the procedures is critical.

Can Drugged Driving Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Yes, drugged driving charges can be reduced or dismissed. Charges could be reduced or dismissed if the evidence is insufficient or if the evidence was improperly collected. Plea negotiations could also lead to lesser charges or alternative sentencing options. The key is hiring an experienced DUI lawyer who understands the intricacies of drugged driving cases.

What if I Was Arrested for Drugged Driving After Using Medical Marijuana With a Valid Card?

Having a medical marijuana card doesn’t give you immunity from drugged driving penalties. The law still prohibits people from operating a vehicle while they’re impaired, even if the substance was legally prescribed. However, depending on the specifics of the traffic stop and the evidence, our experienced attorneys could argue that no actual impairment occurred, especially if your driving behavior was otherwise normal.

Does Drugged Driving Affect My Insurance Rates Even if I’m Not Convicted?

Yes, drugged driving can affect your insurance rates even if you’re convicted of a different, lesser charge. Insurance companies view any driving offense as a higher risk, and some could impose surcharges or refuse to cover you altogether. This makes a timely and effective legal defense even more important when it comes to minimizing long-term financial consequences.

Call Today for a Confidential Consultation

The sooner you act, the better your chances of success. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we offer experienced, dedicated legal representation tailored to your unique situation.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation, done over the phone, right when you call. We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions and explain things.