Driving under the influence of any substance is illegal in Arkansas. It doesn’t matter what the substance is. This includes alcohol, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and illegal substances, even if they are obtained legally.
No matter what substance is impairing a driver, the results can be the same. These drivers can cause serious accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries or death. This is why the legal system takes such a harsh stance against impaired driving. You can face the loss of your driver’s license, have to pay fines and even be required to spend time in jail if you are convicted of this crime.
If you are pulled over for the suspicion of impaired driving, you need to remember your rights. These do apply when you are dealing with the officer. You might be asked to take a standardized field sobriety test or a chemical test. These are used to determine the level of impairment, but they aren’t always perfect. These are sometimes a point that can be used in the defense strategy you use.
Interestingly, testing for substances other than alcohol isn’t really that easy. While technology is advancing for tests, there aren’t any that are currently widely used and reliable because these substances can remain in the body long after the impairing effects have worn off.
Any impaired driving charges can have a significant impact on your life. You need to ensure that you are reviewing your options for a defense from the start of the case so that you can make informed decisions about what you are going to do.