Houston Drugged Driving Lawyer

Houston Drugged Driving Attorney

Navigating a drugged driving case in Texas can be challenging, as the laws around drugs in the state are especially harsh. A Houston drugged driving lawyer from the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can be your greatest ally as they can help represent you throughout your case and fight for a fair and just outcome. Drugged driving can be complex, as the impact of drugs on an individual’s body can vary greatly, making these cases intricate to investigate.

While facing a drugged driving charge can be overwhelming and stressful, a lawyer can offer advice, answer your key questions, and help you make informed decisions that can set you up for a favorable result.

What Is Considered Drugged Driving?

Drugged driving in Houston is when an individual operating motor vehicle under the influence of drugs. This can include illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs. Basically, this includes any drug that can impact an individual’s ability to drive and operate a vehicle safely. It is important to note that even if you are using a drug that was prescribed to you legally, you may be charged with a crime if the drug interferes with your ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Taking drugs and then operating a vehicle is dangerous, just like driving under the influence of alcohol. Drugs can impact things like reaction times, coordination, judgment, decision-making, perception of time and distance, and concentration, all of which are necessary when operating a vehicle. When your key senses are impacted by drugs in this way, the risk of a crash is increased.

How a Drugged Driving Lawyer Can Help

A drugged driving lawyer can help in several key ways if you are facing a charge. With around one million arrests made in the US each year due to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, facing a drugged driving case isn’t something you need to be unprepared for. The laws around drugged driving can be highly complex, and a lawyer who is experienced with these cases can help you navigate them with clear and concise advice and guidance.

A lawyer can first evaluate your case and review any evidence against you. This often includes test results like blood, urine, or saliva tests, police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements. They can look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and begin creating a defense strategy to help support you as you move forward.

Lawyers can initiate legal strategies like challenging improper procedures. Lawyers can question whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether the field sobriety tests were conducted correctly, and whether chemical tests were handled properly. They can work to potentially reduce charges, negotiate plea deals, and seek alternative sentencing options like probation, treatment programs, and deferred adjudication.

If your case moves to court, a lawyer can represent you in front of a judge and clearly argue your case. Their goal is to protect your rights and see you achieve a fair result. A drugged driving lawyer can increase your chances of a fairer and more favorable outcome, whether that means a case dismissal, reduced penalties, or alternative sentencing.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Reason That Drugged Driving Enforcement Is Difficult?

A: Drugged driving enforcement is challenging because there is no standardized and reliable test for drug impairment at a roadside stop. Alcohol is often measured through a breathalyzer and has a well-established legal limit, but drugs can vary greatly in how they impact people and how long they stay in the body, making it hard to standardize.

Q: How Much Are DWI Lawyers in Texas?

A: The cost of hiring a DWI lawyer in Texas will vary depending on several factors, like the severity of the charge, the lawyer’s experience level, and the complexity of the case. Apart from your lawyer’s fees, you also have to consider other case costs like court fees, fines, alcohol education program fees, license reinstatement fees, and increased insurance premiums after a conviction.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a DWI in Texas?

A: While you are not legally required to work with a lawyer in a DWI case in Texas, it is highly recommended due to the complexity of the laws and legal process. There are several specific procedures, technical defense strategies, and deadlines that can be challenging to navigate on your own. A lawyer can help you navigate all of this seamlessly and with ease, ensuring you can focus on what is important.

Q: What Are Examples of Poor Decision-Making That Result From Drug Use?

A: Poor decision-making that comes from impairment after drug use can include risky behavior like driving under the influence, getting into legal trouble over possession, or other drug-related offenses. Drugs can negatively impact decision-making in different ways, depending on the type and amount of drugs you take. They can impair concentration, lower impulse control, and alter your perception of risk and reward.

Q: How Long Does a Drugged Driving Case Take?

A: The time it takes to navigate a drugged driving case can vary greatly depending on several key factors. These key factors include the specific jurisdiction you are in, the complexity of the case, the level of evidence involved, and whether you plead guilty or go to trial. Other factors that influence the timeline include waiting for lab test results to come through, scheduling conflicts or court backlogs, complex legal motions or investigations, and more.

Speak With a Trusted Drugged Driving Lawyer Today

Do not wait to get the support you deserve; reach out to a trusted drugged driving lawyer as soon as possible. Consider scheduling an initial consultation with a lawyer from the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, today. In this initial meeting, our team gets to know you and your case and learns your desired results and outcomes. From this, we can help you make informed decisions based on the full scope of your legal options.

You can reach us online, by phone, or in person at our Houston office on West 23rd Street. Do not delay in getting the support that you deserve; reach out as soon as you can.