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Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Driving under the influence of drugs, sometimes called DUID or drugged driving, is not considered a separate offense from DUI in the state of Washington, but some of the basic procedures of the law may change to address this type of substance abuse. DUI commonly encompasses all types of controlled substances and performance-altering drugs to help minimize the presence of drivers who are under the influence of these intoxicants.

Contact the Seattle DUI lawyers of the Cowan Kirk Law Firm at 1-866-822-1230 today for more information regarding your defense options if you have been charged with a DUI.

DUID Details

Unlike alcohol-related DUI charges, drugged driving must account for the fact that some of the drugs used are completely legal and have no set and definitive limit. For example, there is no legal standard for how many doses of cold or flu medication a driver may take prior to driving. As a result of this occasional vagueness in the law, the following details are true when talking about drugged driving:

  • Use of illegal drugs may incur additional criminal charges
  • If impairing a person's ability to drive, any drug may incur a DUI charge
  • There must be significant evidence to illustrate impairment beyond a confession
  • There are no per se laws for drugged driving in Washington

Although the sentencing minimums and maximums are technically the same for a DUI charge caused by alcohol or drug use, the actual sentencing may be altered according to the circumstances of the crime. Where over-the-counter drug impairment may be granted more leniency, illegal drug use may incur the maximum sentencing.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, it is important that you understand your legal rights. For more information, contact the Seattle DUI attorneys of the Cowan Kirk Law Firm today by calling 1-866-822-1230.

Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn

Cowan Kirk is known throughout Washington and the nation for representing all of its clients with commitment, creativity and compassion. We recognize how devastating a DUI charge can be, particularly when our clients learn how incredibly tough Washington's DUI laws have become, even for a first-time offender.

Contact Us

If you need a DUI defense attorney in Seattle, Bellevue, or King County, contact us today to find out why respect for our clients, a passion for justice, and our commitment to winning have earned each of us the highest honor a member of the bar can receive from our colleagues – their referrals.

Office Location

Main Office
 (425) 822-8046 (fax)

The Supreme Court of Washington does not recognize certification of specialties in the practice of law and the certificate, award or recognition is not a requirement to practice law in the state.

PROVIDING INFORMATION DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY CLIENT RELATIONSHIP UNDER WASHINGTON LAW. ALL INFORMATION, HOWEVER, SHALL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.

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