charges, convictions, & defenses
DUI: Impairment by Drug Use
According to Tennessee state law, drug use may cause driving impairment. Consequently, a DUI conviction may result from operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs.
DUI convictions have severe punishments and life-altering consequences. They are not expungeable – meaning it will remain with you for a lifetime. Thus, it is paramount to hire the right attorney to defend these charges, keep the punishments to a minimum and prevent these convictions from being on your record.
Collins Legal’s DUI defense team is well-versed in this field. We help our clients be part of the statistic that learns from their mistake and never reoffends. A better tomorrow is a safer tomorrow.
Important Information To Know
Drug Use Causes Driving Impairment
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Tennessee Law: Drivers are prohibited from operating a vehicle while “Under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, narcotic drug, or drug producing stimulating effects on the central nervous system.”
Meaning: Tennessee law considers combining the use of drugs and driving to be the same as drinking alcohol and driving. Should an individual use drugs and operate a vehicle, they are considered to be driving while impaired and could be arrested and charged with DUI.
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Important: The use of medicine legally prescribed by a doctor or physician while operating a vehicle can result in a DUI arrest and charge.
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Officers examine the eyes, characteristics, and physical movement to determine if a person is driving under the influence of drugs. Officers can draw a person’s blood to determine the specific type(s) and amount of drug(s) are in a person’s system using the Blood Alcohol Content [BAC] test.
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In Tennessee, a person is presumed intoxicated when their BAC rate is 0.08%. Consequently, when an officer tests a person’s blood for intoxication and the test results are equal to or above 0.08%, the officer has the authority to arrest and charge an individual with DUI. Just because the test results indicate an individual’s BAC was 0.08% or higher at the time of arrest, does not mean the person is guilty of DUI.
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The BAC blood tests are not foolproof. A flaw or error can occur at any point during the administration of the BAC test or with the test itself. Should no error or flaw occur, a DUI conviction is more likely to occur.
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Our defense strategy is formulated based on the events, facts and evidence surrounding the DUI arrest.
- We look into the arresting officer’s conduct and determine if the said officer followed proper protocol.
- We look at whether the blood test and/or breath test were obtained in a constitutional manner.
- We investigate the blood test and/or breath test results chain of custody.
DUI Defense Attorney
DUI Defense
With a decade of experience, our DUI defense team knows the prosecutions’ arguments, the requisite procedures officers should follow, and the law. The lead DUI defense attorney served as a DUI prosecutor for five years – in two separate District Attorney’s offices. Under his leadership, the DUI defense team ensures Collins Legal’s DUI clients are well taken care of.
Important Information To Know
Drug Impairment Effects
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Aggressiveness, Alertness, Disoriented Behavior, Dizziness, Euphoria, Excitation, Increased Focus, Increased Heartrate, Irritability, Paranoia
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Altered Time & Space Perception, Disorientation, Drowsiness, Euphoria, Increased Heart Rate, Paranoia
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Delusions, Euphoria, Excitation, Hallucinations, Increased Blood Pressure, Increased Heart Rate, Insomnia, Poor Impulse Control
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Analgesia, Depressed Heart Rate, Diminished Reflexes, Disconnectedness, Drowsiness, Intense Euphoria, Mental Clouding, Nausea & Vomiting
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Altered Mental State, Delusions, Hallucinations, Impaired Depth, Tremors
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Anxiety, Drowsiness, Euphoria, Impaired Coordination, Slow Reaction Time
DUI Defense Expectations
What to Expect
Being charged with a DUI is life-altering. It is a set-back that no one can afford to take lightly. Collins Legal’s DUI defense team has two priorities for all DUI clients.
- Dispose of the charge.
- Give clients the confidence to move forward with life.
With a decade of experience, our DUI defense team knows the prosecutions’ arguments, the requisite procedures officers should follow, and the law. The lead DUI defense attorney served as a DUI prosecutor for five years – in two separate District Attorney’s offices. Under his leadership, the DUI defense team ensures Collins Legal’s DUI clients are well taken care of.
