Drugged driving charges can have a profound impact on your life now and in the future. If you’re facing this type of charge, you need to ensure you understand a few points about it.
Taking the time to remember a few points about drugged driving might be beneficial as you’re planning a defense strategy. For some people who are accused of drugged driving, it’s necessary to prepare for two distinct cases.
Drugged driving charges aren’t only due to illegal drugs
While illegal drugs might be the first type of substance you think of when you think about drugged driving, they aren’t the only type that can lead to criminal charges. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can also lead to criminal charges if they have side effects that impair your ability to drive.
A police officer who’s monitoring traffic will look for signs of impaired drivers. Once they initiate a traffic stop, they will try to determine what’s going on with the driver. They may ask for a chemical test to determine if you’re drunk.
2 types of cases are possible
There are sometimes two cases possible for drugged driving. One of these is the criminal charge that can lead to things like imprisonment, fines, and other penalties. The other is a civil case that’s possible if there’s a crash that leads to injuries or property damage.
If you face both types of cases, you must remember that they’re independent of each other. It’s possible to be guilty of the criminal charge but not liable for the civil matter. The opposite is also true. Because of this, you should prepare each case on its own based on what’s likely to come up during the case.
Anyone who’s facing a drugged driving charge should ensure they understand their defense options. Working with someone who’s familiar with these matters is crucial so you can find out how each one might impact your future. Be sure to do this early in your case because a rushed defense might not be the one that’s best for you.