Michele Finizio

NJ Criminal Defense Attorney

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Aggressive Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ Defends Clients Against DUID Charges in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Throughout NJ

If you’ve been charged with driving while under the influence of drugs (DUID) in Cherry Hill or anywhere else in New Jersey, then you could be exposed to significant penalties. Although the prosecution may attempt to “paint a picture” in which you are made to seem guilty, the reality is that — despite the challenge in overcoming a DUID charge — there are a number of ways in which you can undermine the prosecution’s case and avoid a conviction for drunk driving or drugged driving in New Jersey. Contact our New Jersey DUID attorney today for a free initial consultation.

Facing a DUI And Have Questions? We Can Help. Contact The Law Offices of Michele Finizio Today At 856-888-9059 Or Fill Our Our Convenient Online Contact Form For A Free Consultation About Your Case.

Experienced New Jersey DUID attorney Michele Finizio understands that the inherently high-stakes nature of drunk driving and drugged driving litigation can be overwhelming for many first-time defendants. Call (856) 242-7300 today to speak with a driving under the influence of drugs lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ Michele Finizio about your case, or fill out the firm’s online contact form. During your free initial consultation, we will work with you to determine how best to move forward and help you avoid the most severe penalties for a DUID conviction in New Jersey.

DUID Basics in Cherry Hill, NJ

DUID charges (statute 39:4-50) function similarly to cases where the defendant has been deemed intoxicated (from alcohol). If the defendant is found to have been “under the influence” at the time of the traffic stop or motor vehicle accident, then the court will likely convict them.

Importantly, a DUID charge can be a bit easier to defend than a DUI (alcohol) charge, as the prosecution must rely on evidence demonstrating that the defendant’s use of drugs led to them being in a state of mind that qualifies as “under the influence.” With alcohol, by contrast, the prosecution need only show that the defendant’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit of .08 percent.

In determining whether the defendant was rendered intoxicated by the drugs they consumed such that DUI charges are appropriate, the court will not only have to evaluate whether the defendant actually consumed drugs, but it will also have to evaluate the effects of the consumed substances. If the consumption of such drugs negatively affected the driver’s ability to safely operate their motor vehicle, to the point where they presented a danger to others, then the DUID charge may lead to a conviction.

Legal and Prescription Drugs

It’s worth noting that — in New Jersey — you can be found guilty of a DUID offense even if you were under the influence of legal drugs, such as over-the-counter or prescription medication. The onus is on the driver. If you know (or should reasonably know) that taking the medicine will intoxicate you or otherwise hinder your ability to safely operate your car, truck, or motorcycle, then the court may convict you of a DUID offense.

DUID Penalties in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Penalties for a DUID conviction can range from minor to severe, depending on the circumstances of the case (and whether it is your first violation). First-time DUID violators will be exposed to penalties that include up to $500 in fines, suspension of their driver’s license, and two days of jail time. Those who have been convicted of a DUID three or more times may be penalized with up to $1,000 in fines, loss of their driver’s license, and six months of jail time.

Avoiding Conviction for a DUID Charge in Cherry Hill, NJ

There are a number of ways to challenge the prosecution’s DUID case against you. Some possible defenses against DUID charges include:

  • Demonstrating that you did not actually consume the claimed substances.
  • Bringing forth evidence that clearly proves you were not “intoxicated” by the consumption of such substances.
  • Showing that the testing conducted by law enforcement was unreliable, or was mishandled in some way.
  • And more!

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Skilled New Jersey DUID Attorney in Cherry Hill, NJ

New Jersey DUID attorney Michele Finizio has worked in the area of criminal defense in New Jersey for more than a decade. During that time, she has successfully represented numerous clients, including those who have been charged with a DUID, DWI, DUI, or Breath Test Refusal. In fact, Michele is Featured in 2021 Expertise.com as being among the Best DUI Lawyers in Camden. Check out their selection process here and Michele’s badge below.

Top DUI Lawyers in Camden

Many people who have been charged with a DUID do not realize that they have a variety of tools at their disposal for avoiding a conviction. With the aid of an experienced New Jersey DUID attorney like Michele Finizio, you may be able to use ambiguous facts to undermine the prosecution’s arguments to get the case is dismissed, reach a favorable compromise with the prosecution that protects your license, or win the case at trial when the jury finds you not guilty.

Call (856) 242-7300 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with New Jersey DUID attorney Finizio. As an alternative, you can submit an online contact form to give us a preliminary sense of your New Jersey DUID case and what is going on.