Driving under the Influence: Applies to More than Just Alcohol

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in DUI

Driving under the influence of any controlled substance, drug, or alcohol is a crime in the state of Illinois. Drugged driving has become more of a concern in recent years as some states have begun the process of legalizing marijuana or issuing medical marijuana licenses. It is not unlawful to merely have these substances in your system, presuming that you are lawfully entitled to possess them. However, at a certain threshold, the substances may begin affecting your reaction speeds, and thus your ability to drive and perform other tasks that may affect the safety of others. It is that point that you begin crossing over from a lawful activity into something that may put a misdemeanor or felony on your record if you injure someone while driving under the influence of such substances.

Drugged Driving: Intentional or Otherwise

Another serious misconception is that you cannot be “under the influence” of prescription drugs that you have been lawfully prescribed by a physician. Not only can many of these drugs affect reaction speeds, focus, and ability to drive, but the effects may be amplified significantly when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. While it is always dangerous (not to mention illegal) to take prescription drugs that do not belong to you, taking these drugs and driving poses serious safety concerns to yourself and others on the road.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substance is a crime specified in the Illinois Criminal Code of Laws. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a crime when the alcohol concentration in a person’s blood or breath is .08 percent or higher; this is a common standard throughout the United States. However, you do not need to have a .08 percent blood alcohol content to be charged with driving under the influence; a person can be under the influence if the substance “renders the person incapable of safely driving,” regardless of the amount of the substance.

While most driving under the influence of drug or alcohol charges will result in misdemeanors, repeat offenders, those who cause harm to other individuals or private property, or those who have particularly high concentrations of alcohol in their system, may receive stiffer punishments. These punishments may include jail time and fines.

Chicagoland Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys

Being charged with driving under the influence or other drug or alcohol related offense can have a serious effect on your freedom, financial status, emotional well-being, and reputation. Our experienced DuPage County drug crimes defense attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. know how to work with prosecutors to ensure you receive the most lenient possible sentence for your crimes. We are also sensitive of your confidentiality concerns at a time like this, and will work with you so we can get your criminal issues resolved as quickly and quietly as possible. We serve criminal defendants in the greater Chicago area, including Will, Kane, Kent, and Cook Counties; contact us for a free consultation at 630-472-9700 today.