Drug-related DUI

Maricopa County /Phoenix

Drug DUI Attorney

Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs?
Free Consultation at 480-600-4DUI (4384)

Arizona law provides harsh penalties for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs — illegal drugs or prescription drugs. If you have been arrested for a drug DUI in the greater Phoenix, Arizona, or Maricopa County area, contact DUI / DWI attorney Cheryl A. Brown, L.L.C.

Unlike drunk driving, which sets specific penalties for various blood-alcohol levels, the statute pertaining to drugs allows you to be charged if you are "impaired to the slightest degree." In other words, any amount of drugs found in a blood sample could be used as evidence against you — cocaine, crack, meth, heroin, or marijuana, as well as prescribed painkillers. Even trace amounts (metabolite) of drugs in your system can lead to a DUI charge.

Penalties for Drug DUI

Drug DUIs are usually prosecuted as a Class 4 felony crime, meaning serious and substantial consequences for a conviction. These cases are often dismissed in municipal court so they can be charged in Superior Court. Sentencing could include:

• Prison (minimum 4 months, and up to several years depending on criminal history)
• License revocation for one year
• Around $5,000 or more in fines and court costs
• License revocation for 3 years
• Probation up to 5 years
• Forfeiture of your vehicle
• Counseling and drug treatment

If police find drugs or paraphernalia on you or in your vehicle as a result of the traffic stop, you may face additional felony charges of drug and or paraphernalia possession.

Challenging a Drug DUI Case

Because drug-related DUIs are largely dependant on observations and field sobriety tests by the arresting officer, there may be grounds for fighting a DUI case. However, because it is a felony and the punishment is so severe, a jury trial or bench trial can be risky. I have represented many clients in drug-related DUI cases, I know law enforcement procedures, and I am familiar with many of the Prosecutors in the various jurisdictions of Maricopa County.

After carefully examining the traffic stop, the probable cause basis for arrest, the conduct of the officer in honoring your rights, and any urinalysis or blood test evidence, I can advise you on the merits of going to trial or seeking a plea agreement. Even pleading to a misdemeanor DUI would substantially reduce the potential penalties (jail time, fines, and license suspension).

Contact a Phoenix drug DUI attorney for a free consultation and assessment of your case. I care about my clients and work hard to minimize the impact of an arrest on their lives.