Seasoned OUID (Operating Under The Influence Of Drugs) Defense Lawyers In Michigan
If you’ve been charged with driving while under the influence of drugs in Royal Oak, you need an ally by your side to weather the legal storm. At Law Offices of Barry A. Resnick, PLLC, Barry A. Resnick and his drug DUI defense team understand that these charges can be confusing and scary.
Many people don’t realize that Michigan treats drugged driving just as seriously as alcohol-related driving offenses. Our attorney, Barry A. Resnick, has over 50 years of experience to draw from when it comes to helping clients fight these charges and protect their driving privileges, freedom and future.
Understanding Michigan’s OUID Law
Michigan’s approach to drugged driving can be complicated for many drivers to understand. Michigan law doesn’t separate drunk driving from drugged driving. Both fall under the same statute, namely MCL 257.625. This means penalties for drug-related driving offenses can be just as harsh as alcohol DUIs.
What many Detroit drivers don’t realize is that Michigan has a zero-tolerance policy for certain substances. This means prosecutors don’t always need to prove you were impaired – sometimes just having drugs in your system is enough for a conviction. Michigan OUID law can be tough to navigate without experienced legal help.
Types Of Drug-Related Driving Offenses
There are several categories of drugged driving charges that can lead to serious consequences. We defend clients facing various types of drugged driving charges:
- Prescription medication cases – even legally prescribed drugs can lead to OUID charges
- Marijuana DUI defense is increasingly common since legalization, as many drivers don’t understand they can still be charged.
- Illegal controlled substances like cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine
- Combined substances – mixing alcohol with drugs often leads to enhanced penalties
Drug-impaired driving charges don’t always mean illegal drugs were involved. Even common medications can trigger charges if they affect your driving ability.
How Police Detect Drugged Driving
Law enforcement uses specific techniques to identify drivers they suspect of being under the influence of drugs. Police use several methods to identify potential drugged drivers:
- Field sobriety tests similar to those used for alcohol
- Blood tests to detect drugs in your system
- Drug recognition expert evaluation by specially trained officers
Chemical test refusal carries its own penalties under Michigan’s implied consent laws. Understanding these testing procedures is critical to building your defense.
We Know How To Help Clients
We build customized defense approaches based on the unique circumstances of your case. Our OUID attorneys examine every aspect of your case to build the strongest possible defense:
- Challenging whether police had legal reason to stop your vehicle
- Questioning blood test reliability, collection methods and chain of custody
- Exploring whether medical conditions affected test results
- Developing prescription medication defense strategies when appropriate
As experienced DUID defense lawyers, we know that drug testing isn’t always accurate. Our drug DUI defense approach focuses on finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and protecting your rights throughout the process.
What’s The Difference Between An OUID And A Regular DUI In Michigan?
There’s no legal difference between alcohol and drug DUIs in Michigan. Both are types of OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charges. The main difference is how they’re detected and proven in court. OUID charges often rely more heavily on blood tests rather than breath tests.
Can I Be Charged With Drugged Driving If I Took Legally Prescribed Medication?
Yes. Even if you have a valid prescription, you can face charges if the medication impairs your driving. Always read warning labels about driving restrictions and side effects. Our drug driving lawyers can help if you’re facing charges related to prescription medications.
How Do Police Test For Drug Impairment During A Traffic Stop?
Police typically use field sobriety tests, observations of your behavior, and sometimes call a drug recognition expert to evaluate you. If they suspect drug use, they’ll likely request a blood test to confirm the presence of substances in your system.
Get Help With Your OUID Case Today
If you’re facing Michigan OUID penalties, don’t wait to get help. Send us an email or give us a call at 248-419-1035 for a confidential consultation about your case.