Defending Drivers Charged with Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence (DUI) or operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) is a serious offense in Ohio, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. While most people think of alcohol as the primary substance that can lead to an OVI arrest, Ohio law also prohibits driving under the influence of drugs.
At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our Ohio DUID defense attorneys are dedicated to helping those accused of these crimes navigate the legal process and fight for their futures. Contact us today at 440-471-7784 to learn about how we can defend your case.
What Are the Types of Drugged Driving Charges in Ohio?
Ohio recognizes two different types of drug-related OVI charges: impaired and per se. An OVI impaired charge means that the drug noticeably affected the driver’s actions, reactions, or mental processes. To convict you of this crime, the prosecution must prove that you consumed a scheduled drug and that it impaired your ability to operate a vehicle.
An OVI per se charge implies that you are guilty simply for having enough of the drug in your system at the time of the test. The drug doesn’t have to have impaired your ability to operate a vehicle to warrant a per se charge.
If you refuse a blood or urine test, you can only be charged with OVI impaired. However, if you take either test and the result puts you over the allowed limit for the specific drug, you can be charged with both OVI impaired and OVI per se.
Prohibited Drug Levels under Ohio Law
Unlike alcohol, which has a legal limit of .08%, the allowed amounts of drugs or drug metabolites can vary based on the type of drug and the type of test conducted. The specific per se limits for different drugs are as follows:
- Amphetamine: 100 nanograms per milliliter of blood or 500 nanograms per milliliter of urine
- Cocaine: 50 nanograms per milliliter of blood or 150 nanograms per milliliter of urine
- Heroin: 50 nanograms per milliliter of blood or 2,000 nanograms per milliliter of urine
- LSD: 10 nanograms per milliliter of blood or 25 nanograms per milliliter of urine
- Marijuana: 2 nanograms per milliliter of blood or 10 nanograms per milliliter of urine
- Methamphetamine: 100 nanograms per milliliter of blood or 500 nanograms per milliliter of urine
Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney for DUID
Being charged with a drugged driving offense can be overwhelming, and you may be unsure of what to do next. Hiring an attorney who specializes in DUID cases can help you understand the charges you’re facing, the potential consequences of a conviction, and your legal options.
At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our lawyers will take several critical steps to develop a unique defense strategy and fight for your rights in court and during negotiations. Your attorney will review the evidence against you, including the results of any blood or urine tests, and determine if there are any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. He or she can also negotiate with the prosecution to try to get the charges reduced or dismissed or fight the charges in court if necessary.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Patituce & Associates, LLC Today
If you’ve been charged with a drugged driving offense in Ohio, you need an attorney on your side who can protect your rights and fight the charges. Contact Patituce & Associates, LLC at 440-427-3860 to discuss your case and plan your next steps.