The number one reason why people get pulled over for impaired driving is that they have been drinking alcohol. A police officer may see someone drifting across the center line and pull them over, assuming they are either distracted or impaired. If they fail field sobriety tests or fail a breath test, then they could face DUI charges.
It is important to avoid drinking and driving, but it is equally important to recognize that you do not have to consume alcohol to face impaired driving charges. There are other substances, both legal and illegal, that could lead to these charges.
Illegal drugs
A common example is if someone is driving under the influence of illegal drugs. Say that a college student was smoking marijuana while playing video games with friends in an off-campus apartment. If they decided to drive back to campus afterward, they could be pulled over and charged with impaired driving, even if they have never had alcohol in their life.
Prescription medications
For many people, the problem is that they are taking a prescription medication that instructs them not to operate heavy machinery. Many people do not realize that this means they are not supposed to drive their car. They just think of heavy machinery as equipment you would see in a manufacturing plant or on a construction site. But you could still face charges for driving your car or truck under the influence of certain prescriptions.
Your defense options
Impaired driving charges can have a serious impact on your life and your finances. Make sure you understand all of your defense options at this time.