Drunk Driving in Rhode Island

Drunk driving is defined as driving under the influence of controlled substances. In some instances, drivers may also be prosecuted for driving under the influence of prescription medications. This is even with a valid prescription due to visible warnings on the label and the fact that some medications can impair a driver’s ability to drive safely.

In order to find out if someone was driving under the influence of drugs, the Rhode Island officers will most likely conduct a chemical test that involves blood or urine samples. Unlike driving under the influence, breathalyzer tests are not used in drug intoxication cases. Instead, a drug recognition expert is sometimes on-call to pinpoint the signs of drug abuse.

Examples of popular drugs in DUID cases include marijuana, ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and countless others.

Legal defenses for drugged driving include having a valid prescription for medical marijuana for instance. The laws are constantly updated in regards to marijuana, so a consultation with a lawyer can clear up any questions a defendant may have. In addition, other legal defenses include being unaware of taking drugs, as is often the case when innocent parties are duped into drinking a tampered beverage.

A drugged driving case can also lead to a drug possession case. As such, it’s important to contact a drug defense lawyer in Rhode Island as soon as possible. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession of drugs, sale of drugs, or other related crimes, contact the RI drug defense attorneys at John R. Grasso. Call 401-272-4001 to discuss your case confidentially.  

A skilled lawyer can help with retaining driving privileges, keeping a clean criminal history, and also lowering the charges if you’re found guilty of drugged driving.