Any drug, whether illicit or over the counter, can result in a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge. Naturally, these cases can get complicated for many reasons––and the details of your arrest will play a large role in your trial. That’s why, no matter what drug you allegedly had, you should consider partnering with a Houston DWI defense lawyer.
Attorney Jay Blass Cohen has cultivated a reputation for tackling even the most complex DWI cases. When he presents your case in court, he intends to secure a “not guilty” verdict. The sooner you consider legal representation, the better.
These Types of Drugs Can Result in DWI Charges
Per the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), you break the law as soon as a substance causes you to lose the normal use of your mental or physical faculties.
Drugs that can result in DWI charges include (but are not limited to):
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Meth
- Crack
- Ecstasy
- Hallucinogens, like LSD and mushrooms
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Over-the-counter medications, such as cough medicine
- Prescription drugs, like Xanax
- “Designer drugs,” like 2C-E
Texas takes a harsh stance against DWI. So, there are many drugs that can warrant these charges.
What Happens if I Was Prescribed a Drug?
You can lawfully possess a controlled substance and still be arrested for DWI. Many prescriptions say:
- May make you drowsy or dizzy
- Do not drink alcohol with this drug
- Use care when operating a vehicle, vessel, or other machines
The state would allege that even though you were prescribed the medication, you still drove while you were impaired, which warrants criminal charges.
What if I Was Prescribed Medical Marijuana?
Through the compassionate use program (CUP), eligible Texans can use marijuana for medical purposes. This is generally limited to people suffering from neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis, and terminal illnesses.
However, just like the other drugs on this list, if marijuana affects your driving ability, the police can arrest you. While you might not get charged for drug possession, this would not entirely dismiss the state’s allegations of driving while intoxicated.
DWIs Can Result in Serious Penalties
Per the Texas Penal Code, for a first-time DWI conviction, you could face:
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Up to 180 days in jail
- The loss of your driver’s license for a year
These penalties only increase with each subsequent DWI offense. What’s more, these are only the penalties imposed by the state. There are also collateral consequences that could affect your personal life, such as:
- Losing custody of your children
- Having difficulty getting to and from work
- Issues getting approved for housing
- Having to rely on public transportation and rideshare services
Even one of these difficulties could compromise your quality of life. By securing assistance from a criminal defense attorney, you put your life, freedom, and future first.
What Should I Do While Facing DWI Charges?
A DWI arrest sets two legal processes in motion: your criminal trial and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) program. ALR will limit your driving abilities––or prevent you from driving at all. So, after your arrest, refrain from driving. If the police find that you’re driving on a suspended license, this could compound the charges you face.
Other post-arrest considerations include:
- Refraining from risky behavior. Refrain from doing anything drug-related––even smoking a blunt with your friends. You don’t want to give the prosecution more fuel to power its case.
- Enrolling in a substance abuse program. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, there’s still time to turn your life around. What’s more, engaging in one of these programs can show the prosecution that you’re committed to making a change and will avoid driving while intoxicated in the future.
- Limiting what you share publicly. Do not take to social media and post about the details of your arrest online. Anything you share via an online forum is admissible in court, and you don’t want to give the prosecution more information it can use against you.
Above all else, our criminal defense firm encourages you to seek legal representation––and not just from anyone: from Blass Law. All too often, we’ve seen unrepresented people go to jail after being arrested for driving under the influence of cough medicine, painkillers, and other substances. When we mount your defense, we intend to secure the best possible outcome––and that means a “not guilty” verdict.
How a Defense Lawyer Fights Your DWI Charges
When Jay Blass Cohen manages your case, he first identifies any weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. This may involve reviewing all evidence and ensuring it was properly collected. If Jay finds that the police improperly gathered evidence, he could have this information barred from your trial––weakening the state’s argument.
Other services you get from our DWI defense lawyer include:
- Advocacy during questioning. The police are allowed to question you following an arrest, but you don’t want to give too much information that could hurt your case. With Jay on your side, he’ll answer all those questions and ensure the police don’t violate your rights.
- A comprehensive case strategy. Attorney Jay Blass Cohen doesn’t believe in “winging it.” When he arrives at court, he comes prepared with a meticulously created defense that puts your needs first.
- Peace of mind. Don’t lie awake at night worried about your future. From the moment you hire our criminal defense team, you get an advocate who fights to help you avoid fines, jail time, and other penalties.
Since 2009, Jay and his legal team have secured countless positive outcomes for people facing DWI charges. He’s known locally for taking on cases other attorneys shied away from. Even if you failed sobriety tests at the arrest scene or police station, you have options for combating the charges you face.
Call Blass Law and Learn About Your Criminal Justice Options
Time is ticking on your ability to secure legal help. The last thing you want is to show up in court unrepresented. Even a seemingly innocuous statement at trial could put you behind bars. We don’t want that to happen. To learn more about working with a DWI defense attorney, call Blass Law now.