DUI Drugs

DUI Drugs Lawyer in Athens, GA 

Arrested in Clarke or Madison County? Free consultations for northeast Georgia.

At Slider Law, we provide a vigorous defense for individuals facing drug and DUI charges in Athens and throughout Northeast Georgia. Drug DUI cases are often more complicated than traditional alcohol DUI charges, requiring an attorney who understands the nuances of Georgia law and can protect your Constitutional rights. 

With more than two decades of DUI experience, Attorney Jason Slider understands what needs to be done to defend your case effectively. As a former prosecutor, he understands how the state formulates its cases, which are designed to secure convictions. However, with sharp investigation skills and an equally aggressive approach, our firm fights for your future. 

Phone our firm at (706) 208-1514 or reach out online to book a free case evaluation with our Athens drug DUI attorney. Your initial consultation can be done virtually. Available 24/7.

How Slider Law Can Defend Your DUI Drugs Case

Jason Slider brings a unique blend of experience, having served as both a former prosecutor and staff attorney in Athens-Clarke County. Thus, he knows how the state investigates and prosecutes DUI drug cases and uses this knowledge to your advantage. 

Our approach may include:

  • Challenging the validity of field sobriety tests or chemical tests
  • Investigating the effects of prescription medications or other substances
  • Identifying procedural errors or illegal stops
  • Negotiating alternative outcomes when appropriate
  • Representing you aggressively at trial if necessary

Our goal is to protect your freedom, driving privileges, and future opportunities while navigating the complex legal landscape of DUI drug cases.

How a DUI Drug Charge Differs from an Alcohol DUI

In Georgia, it is possible to be charged with a DUI even if no alcohol is in your system. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(a)(2), it is unlawful to operate a vehicle “under the influence of any drug to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive.” This means that law enforcement only needs to believe you are impaired by drugs to make an arrest.

Drug DUI charges can catch people by surprise, and they require a defense strategy different from a standard alcohol DUI. 

Some key differences include:

  • Different standards of impairment depending on the type of drug
  • Complex testing procedures that vary for prescription versus illegal substances
  • Medical conditions that may affect test accuracy: Conditions affecting balance, coordination, or metabolism can sometimes lead to inaccurate field sobriety or chemical test results. Officers may misinterpret signs of a medical condition as impairment.
  • Potential additional drug charges if illegal substances are involved

Defending a DUI drugs case successfully requires an attorney who knows the differences in law and how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Types of DUI Drugs

Illegal Drugs

Many DUI drug charges arise from suspected use of illegal drugs. Georgia law treats certain drugs differently:

  • Zero-tolerance drugs: Some substances, such as cocaine, can result in a conviction if detected in any quantity in your blood (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(a)(6)).
  • Impairment-based drugs: For other substances, such as marijuana or THC, the State must prove that you were impaired to the point that you were unsafe to drive (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(a)(2)).

The law surrounding illegal drug DUIs is complex, and convictions can also trigger separate felony or misdemeanor drug charges. A skilled attorney can identify weaknesses in the state’s case and protect your rights.

Prescription Drugs

Even prescription medications can lead to DUI drug charges. Drugs like Xanax or other anti-anxiety medications may impair your ability to drive safely, even if taken exactly as prescribed. Police can charge you if they believe your prescribed medication made you unsafe behind the wheel.

This is why it is crucial to hire an experienced DUI defense attorney who understands how prescription medications are handled under Georgia law and can craft a defense tailored to your specific circumstances.

DUI Drugs: Types & Key Points

  • Illegal drugs: Cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, MDMA
    • Defense considerations: Challenge chemical test accuracy, chain of custody, officer observations, and demonstrate a lack of impairment. Potential for additional drug charges.
  • Prescription drugs: Xanax, Valium, Ambien, oxycodone
    • Defense considerations: Show proper usage under a doctor’s supervision, medical records, expert testimony on effects, and challenge officer observations.

Discuss Your Case with our Athens Drug DUI Attorney Today

Drug DUI charges can involve both illegal substances and prescription medications, and medical conditions may affect test results or officer observations. Even legally prescribed drugs can lead to charges if they are believed to impair your driving. 

Successfully defending these cases requires an attorney who understands the various laws and standards governing drug DUIs and can effectively challenge the state’s evidence. With Jason Slider’s experience and knowledge, you can have a committed advocate to protect your rights, your driving privileges, and your future.

Call (706) 208-1514 or reach us online for your complimentary initial consultation today. 

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Have Questions?

  • When Do DUI Charges Come Off My Record?
    A DUI conviction stays on your record, which is the reason why it is so important to get a lawyer that is experienced in DUI law to have the best opportunity to avoid a DUI conviction. DUI lawyers look for all possible legal and factual defenses to avoid a DUI conviction.
  • Will I Go to Jail if Convicted on A First DUI Charge?
    A first DUI conviction for a person over 0.08 grams of blood alcohol concentration requires a person to serve 24 hours in jail with other statutory minimum sentence requirements. Some courts are willing to waive the remainder of that time, especially in a DUI less safe case. As the number of DUI convictions for a person increases, generally, that comes with an increase in expected jail time. However, the expected jail time for a first or subsequent DUI oftentimes varies significantly depending on the county in which the person is convicted.
  • Is There Any Way to Avoid a Suspended License?
    A conviction for a DUI requires a minimum period of license suspension. During that period of suspension, people are oftentimes able to obtain a limited driving permit that allows them to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and other specified activities. The only way to completely avoid a suspended license is to avoid the DUI conviction, with either a reduction or dismissal of the DUI charge.
  • Can the Police Charge Me with A DUI Even if They Do Not See Me Driving the Car?
    Yes, a police officer can charge somebody with a DUI even if they do not see them driving. The prosecutor needs to be able to prove that a person was in physical control of a motor vehicle while they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which does not require the officer to see the person actually drive the car. An accident is an example of a case where a police officer could arrive after the driving was over and still be able to charge a person with a DUI.

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