Driving Under the Influence of Cocaine

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a serious criminal offense in the United States. As a Schedule II narcotic, cocaine is considered one of the most dangerous types of drugs available. As a result, driving under the influence of cocaine is a very serious crime, and individuals who are convicted of the offense may face expensive fines, a mandatory license suspension, and could even spend several years behind bars.

If an officer suspects an individual may be driving under the influence of drugs, he or she will administer a series of field sobriety tests to evaluate the driver’s mental abilities and look for signs of intoxication. Testing the driver’s balance and coordination levels, these simple exercises allow officers to make an informed decision as to whether an individual is capable of operating a motor vehicle. Certain behaviors, such as swaying or lacking coordination, are considered signs of impairment.

Once an officer determines a driver is under the influence of drugs, the individual will be arrested and transported to a nearby location—such as the police station or local hospital—for a drug test. To determine whether any drugs are present in the person’s system, he or she will be required to submit a blood or urine sample. Depending on the results of this test, the person may then be charged with driving under the influence of cocaine. 

Although blood and urine tests can detect the presence of drugs in a person’s system, they cannot identify the time they were used. Because each person’s body breaks down substances differently, many drugs can remain in your system for several days after they were last ingested. As a result, drivers who are currently sober may be charged with DUID if they have recently used cocaine.

In addition to DUID, many drivers who are charged with driving under the influence of cocaine may also face felony drug possession charges. Depending on the state, the penalties for cocaine possession can include a 7-year prison sentence and a maximum $50,000 fine—even if it a first offense.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence of cocaine, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately. In some cases, a skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to challenge the evidence against you and help you avoid conviction. Locate a DUID attorney in your area today to discuss your case.