Minneapolis Drugged Driving Attorney
Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offense in Minnesota, and if you’re facing charges for drugged driving, you need an experienced attorney by your side. Brockton D. Hunter P.A. is here to help clients in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas with skilled legal representation in drugged driving cases. With a deep understanding of Minnesota’s drugged driving laws and a commitment to safeguarding our clients’ rights, our firm can build a robust defense to protect your future.
If you have been charged with drugged driving, contact our Minneapolis drug DWI lawyer today at (612) 979-1112.
Understanding Drugged Driving Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota takes a firm stance on drugged driving. Drugged driving, or DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs), occurs when a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of drugs that impair their ability to drive safely. This includes illegal substances like marijuana, methamphetamines, and cocaine, as well as certain prescription drugs that can impair coordination and reaction times. Even if you have a valid prescription, if a drug impairs your ability to drive safely, you can still face DUID charges.
Minnesota law states that it is illegal to drive with any amount of a controlled substance in your system unless it was legally prescribed. Prosecutors can pursue charges for both illegal and prescription drugs, and they do not have to prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt. Unlike alcohol-related DUI cases, where a blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold is used to establish impairment, drugged driving cases often rely on field sobriety tests, blood tests, or other evidence of impaired behavior.
Consequences of a Drugged Driving Conviction
A drugged driving conviction can have severe and long-lasting consequences. Minnesota treats drugged driving with similar severity to alcohol-related DUI charges, meaning the penalties can be harsh. Even a first offense can result in significant fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. These penalties only increase with subsequent convictions or if aggravating factors, such as having a minor in the vehicle, apply.
The impact of a DUID conviction goes beyond legal penalties. You may face higher insurance premiums, challenges with employment opportunities, and a criminal record that can follow you for life. Given these serious consequences, it is crucial to have a dedicated Minneapolis drugged driving lawyer who can work to minimize the impact of these charges and pursue every possible defense on your behalf.
How Brockton D. Hunter P.A. Can Help
At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we understand the complexities of drugged driving cases and are committed to protecting your rights and future. Our team has extensive experience handling DUID cases in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, and we take a comprehensive approach to each case, analyzing every detail to build a strong defense. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigation and Evidence Review: In drugged driving cases, evidence such as blood tests, field sobriety tests, and the behavior observed by law enforcement plays a key role. We thoroughly review all evidence to ensure that procedures were followed correctly and to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If law enforcement violated your rights during the arrest or testing process, we will work to have improperly obtained evidence suppressed.
- Challenging Drug Testing Methods: Drugged driving cases often rely on blood or urine tests to determine the presence of drugs. However, these tests are not always reliable, and false positives can occur. Certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even medical conditions can interfere with drug testing results. Our team has the knowledge to challenge the accuracy and validity of these tests and will use this understanding to protect your rights.
- Exploring Alternatives to Harsh Penalties: In some cases, we may be able to negotiate for alternative sentencing options that allow you to avoid some of the more severe consequences of a conviction. Options like drug treatment programs, probation, and other alternative sentencing measures can often be pursued to reduce the impact of a DUID charge on your life.
- Aggressive Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to trial, Brockton D. Hunter P.A. will be there every step of the way to advocate for you in court. We are experienced litigators who understand the local courts, and we will work tirelessly to present a compelling defense on your behalf. We know how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses effectively, and make a strong case for your innocence or reduced sentencing.
Common Defenses in Drugged Driving Cases
Every drugged driving case is unique, and the defense strategy we use will depend on the specifics of your situation. Some common defenses in DUID cases include:
- Lack of Probable Cause: Police officers need a valid reason to pull you over or conduct a search. If they did not have probable cause, any evidence they obtained could be inadmissible in court.
- Inaccurate Drug Testing Results: As mentioned, drug tests are not always accurate, and lab errors can occur. We will work to identify any potential issues with the testing process to question the reliability of the results.
- Prescription Drug Defense: If you were taking a medication legally prescribed to you, we may be able to argue that the drug was taken as directed, and therefore, there was no intent to drive under the influence.
- No Impairment Evidence: Even if drugs were detected in your system, we can argue that the amount present did not impair your ability to drive, especially if no unsafe driving behaviors were observed.
Contact Brockton D. Hunter P.A. Today
If you are facing drugged driving charges in Minneapolis, it’s essential to seek legal representation from an attorney with experience in DUID cases. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we understand the impact these charges can have on your life and are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Don’t let a drugged driving charge define your future. Our team is here to provide knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective legal guidance to navigate this challenging time. Contact Brockton D. Hunter P.A. today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and defend against drugged driving charges. Let us put our skills and experience to work for you.
Call (612) 979-1112 or contact us online to speak with our Minneapolis drug DWI attorney today!
OUR VICTORIES
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their case might be.
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Reduced STATE OF MINNESOTA v. N.J.: Client Charged With Gross Misdemeanor Third Degree Dui Pleads to Reduced Charge of Misdeameanor Four
N. J. Was charged with Third Degree DUI in Hennepin County after a blood test showed his blood alcohol content was .25, more than 3x the legal limit.
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Not Guilty STATE v. M.O.: Trial Results in Not Guilty Verdict on Most Serious Domestic Assault Charges
M.O. was accused of assaulting his wife in their St. Paul home. A military veteran and former Federal Agent, M.O. had extensive training in calming dangerous situations and disarming suspects.
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Reduced STATE v. T.C.: Client Convicted of 1st Degree Assault Avoids Additional 74 Months in Prison
T.C. was arrested in Rochester, Minnesota in Olmsted County and charged with First Degree Assault. T.C.
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Dropped STATE v. D.B.: Brock Hunter Gets Dwi Charges Dropped and License Revocation Rescinded
Brock’s client was suspected of driving under the influence of Vicodin. She was charged with DWI and her license was revoked under the Minnesota Implied Consent law.
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Dropped STATE V. T.M.: Self-Defense Argument Results in Hung Jury and All Charges Dismissed
Brock and Ryan’s client was charged with second degree assault with a deadly weapon after an altercation.
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Reduced State v. NS: Hennepin County 4th Degree Dwi Case
Our client, NS, was rear ended while driving home. His blood alcohol content was measured at .12.