Many people think about alcohol when they hear about impaired driving, but it’s also possible to be impaired by drugs. Illegal drugs, prescription medications and over-the-counter medications can all cause impairment.
Being charged with drugged driving is a bit different from being charged with drunk driving. This is because it’s possible to quantify the level of alcohol in a person’s body in real time through a blood-alcohol concentration test, but there’s not a test that provides that information for drugs.
How drug impairment differs from alcohol impairment
Drugged driving isn’t the same as drunk driving, though they share similarities. Different drugs affect the body in various ways—some slow down reaction times, while others might cause drowsiness or impaired judgment. In Minnesota, there’s no per se limit for drug impairment like there is for alcohol, which means that any amount of an impairing substance can lead to a charge if it affects your driving.
Legal consequences can be severe
In Minnesota, the penalties for drugged driving can be as severe as those for driving under the influence of alcohol. This includes fines, license suspension and time in jail or prison. Minnesota treats drugged driving as driving while impaired. A conviction can have lasting effects on your criminal record, insurance rates and employment opportunities.
Building a defense requires expertise
Defending against drugged driving charges in Minnesota can be challenging due to the subjective nature of drug impairment. Factors such as the type of drug, the amount taken and the individual’s tolerance can all play a role.
A strong defense often involves scrutinizing the evidence, including the methods used to determine impairment and the legality of the stop or arrest. Working with someone who can evaluate the options and help to build that strategy is beneficial.
