Stamford Drug DUI Case Process
The arrest process for a Stamford drug DUI charge is very similar to an alcohol DUI. The police run through the same procedures, have the same questions, and typically stick to their manual closely. However, the trials can be different.
For alcohol, typically, the police officer comes in and testifies about what they saw and the results of the test. In a drug DUI, an individual often needs an expert from the Connecticut State Lab to explain the results of the drug test to the jury.
To best understand the specific nuances associated with the Stamford drug DUI case process, it is imperative that an individual consult with an experienced Stamford DUID lawyer as soon as possible.
Arrest Process
It is sometimes harder for the prosecution to prove that a person was under the influence of drugs in a way that was intoxicating, especially if they are legal drugs.
It can be more of an uphill battle for the prosecution if a person is taking a prescription drug. The drugs may affect a person in various ways, and it can sometimes be difficult for prosecutors to pinpoint the exact impact the drugs had on the individual. The Stamford drug DUI case process can call for experts.
Looking for Drugs
Officers may be more on the lookout for the use of marijuana while driving because it is relatively easy to access, and there are less penalties associated with possession. If a person just possesses marijuana, it is equivalent to a traffic infraction. They are more alert for smoke in the car.
Another issue is vapor pens that have marijuana oil. They can be very hard to detect, so police officers look a bit harder for people that are on the road and making sure there is no illegal drug use.
Proving a Drug DUI vs. an Alcohol DUI
Proving a drug DUI is very similar in a lot of ways to proving an alcohol DUI. The field sobriety tests for both are a way to prove that the person was under the influence of drugs because there are different sobriety tests for drugs and for alcohol.
The main way for an officer to tell whether a person is intoxicated is the breathalyzer versus the urine test. For alcohol, they use a breathalyzer to see what the person’s blood alcohol content is. For drugs, they will use a urine test to see what is in the person’s system and how much. These tests are often relevant throughout the Stamford drug DUI case process.
When proving a drug DUI charge, the state must prove the person operated a motor vehicle and that, while they were operating it, they were under the influence of a drug that affected their ability to drive.
Common Defense Strategies
Some of the common defense strategies employed in the Stamford drug DUI case process are to look for defects in the testing procedure and the tests from the police procedure to attack the police for not using the correct procedures.
These include doing things out of order, not following a manual or using it correctly, and compromising the results of their tests.