Being convicted of driving under the influence can have a drastic impact
on an individual’s life. While alcohol use when driving is one of
the primary reasons an individual can be arrested for the charge, impaired
driving comes in other forms such as driving under the use of marijuana
or other substances.
The primary method of reasonable suspicion detection for police officers
now includes the driver's ability to respond to instructions and the
ability to pass a field sobriety test. Those who fail could then be subject
to urine or blood testing beyond a breath analysis check for alcohol impairment.
There are multiple classes of chemicals that could result in charges for
driving under the influence, all of which are criminal cases, and having
a criminal defense attorney will always be necessary for defense because
a conviction could result in a jail term.
Alcohol Impairment
Charges stemming from the use of alcohol while driving is the conventional type of
DUI most defendants receive, and this still continues to the primary chemical
detected in the systems of those charged. The standard for proving impairment
by Tennessee prosecutors is a .08 blood alcohol concentration reading
from an analysis determined by a certified breathalyzer or chemical test.
Readings that register between .05 and .08 can still result in charges
for reckless driving, and readings of .15 or higher can result in aggravated
DUI enhancement of charges. A conviction for aggravated DUI for even a
first offense can carry a considerable jail along with an increased fine
and court requirement regimen, and it is always best to have an experienced
DUI defense attorney.
Marijuana Impairment
The second most common type of impaired driving charge involves the use
of marijuana. Even possession of marijuana in Tennessee is illegal, and
many times a possession charge is also applied when the defendant or their
vehicle is searched by investigating officers. Charges are typically applied
based on odor and obvious impairment such as red eyes and slow movement.
While individuals being evaluated for driving under the influence of marijuana
are required to successfully complete a field sobriety test, there is
no method of accurately detecting the latency of marijuana metabolites
at the time of the stop. Officers typically will request a urine analysis
or a blood test, which could result in a DWI charge even when not impaired
because the active ingredient in marijuana can remain in the body for
a period of up to 30 days following usage.
This means that anyone who uses marijuana in the state of Tennessee and
drives could be charged with a marijuana DWI at any point in time, and
extended penalties could apply for any subsequent possession.
Narcotics Impairment
The final type of impaired driving charge stems from the use of narcotics,
whether they are prescribed legally or the operator is under the influence
without authorization. The most common of these could be hydrocodone because
it is widely prescribed, but it does not produce a significant level of
impairment in most cases.
Narcotics that produce a drowsy effect are more common, and they are much
easier to detect by observance. There is no set standard for impairment
as with alcohol, and any presence in the body could constitute a criminal
driving offense or even a possession charge.
Driving under the influence is a very serious charge in Tennessee and
prosecutors are serious about the application of this area of law. If
you’ve been pulled over or charged with driving under the influence,
turn to the experienced legal professionals at the Law Office of Joseph
A. Fanfuzz in Johnson City.
Contact our firm today at {F:P:Site:Phone} for aggressive representation.