Drugged Driving in Oklahoma

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUI-D) carries the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol. There are a few important differences, however, when it comes to drugged driving.

Driving Under the Influence of Illegal Drugs

There is no limit on the amount of illegal drugs that can be in your system to be arrested for drugged DUI like there is with alcohol. Any amount can result in a charge. The issue is whether a person was under the influence of a drug which may render such person incapable of safely driving or operating a motor vehicle.

Unlike alcohol, certain drugs can be detected by drug tests long after their effects have worn off. For example, marijuana can stay in your system for days or even weeks meaning you could still be charged with a drug-related DUI even when you are not feeling the physical effects of the drug.

Driving Under the Influence of  Legal Presciption Drugs

It may be surprising to know that you can be charged with DUI after taking over-the-counter or legally prescribed drugs. Many drugs on the market today can cause cognitive and physical effects that impair driving. Taking legal drugs like sleep medications, painkillers, antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants before driving can result in DUI and carries the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Schedule 1 Drugs

Oklahoma has a no tolerance law when it comes to Schedule 1 drugs. If a person has any amount of a Schedule 1 chemical or controlled substance, or one of its metabolites or analog in their blood, saliva, or urine, they can be charged with DUI. Oklahoma DUI law does not distinguish between active or inactive metabolites. In Oklahoma, marijuana is listed as a Schedule 1 drug.

DUI Charges

For a first offense, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and could face jail time up to one year. You could be fined up to $1000 and undergo a substance abuse assessment. Additional offenses result in more severe penalties, fines, and jail time.

Facing drugged driving charges (DUI-Drugs) is a serious matter. If you or a loved one is in this situation, you need aggressive representation to help protect your future. Schedule a free consultation with the  Hunsucker Legal Group today.