Controlled Substance DWI: What Is It?
Controlled Substance DWI: What Is It?
Oftentimes, a controlled substance DWI comes as a surprise to many. Typically, people associate driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws with alcohol and nothing more. However, Texas law does not agree with them. Because the effects of controlled substances are at times similar to alcohol, the law views intoxication the same.
The vast majority of controlled substances may have an impact on your driving because they impair your motor functions. Even some prescription drugs could lead to a controlled substance DWI in Texas.
If you or a loved one faces charges for a DWI that involves drugs, contact an experienced DWI attorney. At The Martinez Law Firm, we have decades of experience with DWI defense cases. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do DWI Laws in Texas Include Drugs?
A controlled substance DWI is a serious charge in the state of Texas. While many believe that only alcohol leads to DWI charges, the truth of the matter is that driving while intoxicated due to the use of drugs can also lead to a DWI.
Per Texas Penal Code § 49.04, you commit a DWI when you:
• Operate a motor vehicle on a public road and
• Your BAC is at or above .08 OR
• You have lost the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to the use of a controlled substance of alcohol
With alcohol, law enforcement may have a much easier time detecting intoxication. Moreover, a chemical test and field sobriety test allows them to assess your physical and mental condition. When it comes to a controlled substance DWI, it is a bit more complex.
Controlled Substance DWI Testing
Oftentimes, the police default to blood or urine analysis when they suspect drugs are what caused the driver to drive intoxicated. However, neither of these processes are perfect. This is because traces of some drugs remain in your system long after their effects have worn off.
For instance, marijuana has the potential to stay in your system for two weeks, even when you do not use it regularly. This is because the metabolites and other chemical components remain in your body for days or even weeks after using the drug. The police might charge you with a controlled substance DWI because drugs you used days ago appeared in your test results.
While blood tests are more accurate in terms of drug use, this analysis still has problems. For example, human error can lead to a false positive when a lab technician makes even a slight mistake. Additionally, outdated equipment in a crime lab can lead to incorrect results.
People often ask DWI defense attorneys whether they should submit to DWI testing. Typically, attorneys respond with, “No, you should not comply.”
When you refuse a test, it makes their job more difficult because they need to rely on objective or circumstantial evidence if they do not obtain a search warrant to obtain your blood.
Charged with a DWI for Controlled Substances? Call A Lawyer
If a controlled substance led to a DWI for you or someone you know, it is crucial to contact an experienced DWI defense attorney. It would be best if you never took chances with DWI charges because they can have a severe impact on your life.
Contact The Martinez Law Firm at (713) 242-1779 today to schedule a free consultation with our trusted legal team. At your consultation, we can discuss your charges and set the path for your defense.