DUI Drug Charges in Connecticut

Driving under the influence (DUI) doesn’t just apply to alcohol. A driver in Connecticut can also be charged with DUI drugs if they are under the influence of substances—whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal—that impair their ability to drive safely. Like alcohol-related DUIs, drug-related DUIs are taken very seriously and can result in severe legal and financial consequences. If you or someone you know is facing the fallout of a DUI accident, Bert McDowell Injury Law is here to help. Call us at 475-231-3274 for a free consultation.

Understanding DUI Drug Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut law prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the extent that their ability to drive is impaired. The state’s laws make no distinction between the types of drugs involved—whether they are illegal substances, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs. If the substance affects a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, it is considered unlawful to drive under its influence.

For example, you can be charged with DUI drugs if you are found to have consumed substances such as:

• Illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or heroin
• Prescription medications that impair motor skills or judgment
• Over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness or other side effects

Even substances like aerosol sprays, glue, or other toxic vapors can lead to a DUI charge if they impair your ability to drive.

Evidence Used in DUI Drug Cases

Connecticut law enforcement officers rely on several types of evidence to determine whether a driver is under the influence of drugs. These can include:

• Erratic driving patterns
• Physical symptoms such as slurred speech, dilated pupils, or difficulty balancing
• Field sobriety test results
• Drug paraphernalia or evidence of drug use found in the vehicle
• Blood or urine chemical tests

Unlike alcohol-related DUI cases, there is typically no specific “legal limit” for drugs in a person’s system. Instead, the focus is on whether the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle was impaired. However, Connecticut law does enforce a per se rule in cases involving certain controlled substances, meaning that the mere presence of those substances in your system could be enough for a conviction.

Prescription Drugs and DUI Charges

Many people assume that prescription drugs won’t lead to DUI charges. Unfortunately, this is not true. Even if a drug is legally prescribed by a doctor, the driver can still be charged with DUI if the medication impairs their ability to drive safely. Some prescription drugs come with explicit warnings against operating vehicles, and failing to heed these warnings can result in legal trouble.

Before taking any prescribed medication, it’s important to understand its potential side effects and how it may impact your ability to drive safely. Doing so can help prevent accidents and avoid legal issues.

Penalties for DUI Drug Convictions in Connecticut

DUI drug charges in Connecticut are typically classified as misdemeanors for first-time offenders but can escalate to felony charges for repeat offenses or cases involving severe injury or death. The penalties for a DUI drug conviction can include:

• Fines of up to $1,000 for first-time offenses
• Jail time, ranging from a few days to several months
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation
• Mandatory drug and alcohol education programs
• Community service requirements

For repeat offenders, the penalties are significantly harsher and may include longer jail sentences, steeper fines, and extended license suspension.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a DUI-Related Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a driver impaired by drugs or alcohol, it’s important to take action quickly. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we specialize in helping victims of DUI-related accidents recover the compensation they deserve. We can assist you in building a strong case, holding the negligent driver accountable, and ensuring that you receive the financial recovery needed for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, results-driven legal representation. To get started, call us at 475-231-3274 for a free consultation. You can also reach out to us online for more information.

Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law Today

Don’t let a DUI-related accident derail your life or the life of a loved one. Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law today to discuss your case. With years of experience in personal injury law, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us now at 475-231-3274.