DUI of Drugs

Facing Charges of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs? Working With an Ann Arbor DUI Law Firm

Driving while intoxicated can have devastating consequences in your life. If you are facing a DUI for a drug-related crime, make sure to contact ArborYpsi Law, an experienced Ann Arbor DUI law firm.

Michigan DUI and OWPD Drug Laws

In Michigan, anyone caught operating a vehicle and having a Schedule 1 drug in their system can be convicted of Operating With the Presence of Drugs (OWPD). The important element to note about this charge is that it is irrelevant whether the drug is affecting you. It is just the presence of the drug in your system that violates the law. This means whether you were operating a vehicle on a public road or in a parking lot, if you have a Schedule 1 narcotic in your system, you are guilty of a misdemeanor crime if it is your first offense. A third offense can result in a felony.

Schedule 1 drugs include:

• Peyote
• Ecstasy
• Heroin
• LSD
• Mushrooms
• Bath salts
• Salvia
• Cocaine (Not schedule I, but still included in this law)

For a full list of additional drugs that are included on this list, click here. Keep in mind schedule 1 substances are all illegal to have in your possession.

Ann Arbor DUI Drug Law Firm Discusses the Criminal Penalties Following an Arrest

If convicted of a OWPD charge you will have a misdemeanor on our record. Additionally, you may have to complete up to 360 hours of community service, pay fines of up to $500, serve up to 93 days in jail and have a suspension of your driver’s license. If you have two DUI offenses, a third OWPD charge means you could face mandatory jail or prison time, increased fines, license revocation and many other penalties.

Drugged Driving With Prescribed Medications

Driving under the influence of controlled substances can get you in trouble. Many people are now prescribed controlled substances. However, the OWPD for a schedule I substance is in contrast to driving under the influence of other types of drugs. For example, narcotics for pain control, benzodiazepines for anxiety, or stimulants for ADHD. Unlike a scheduled I substance, these prescription medications can legally be in your system while you are driving. However, you cannot be under the influence of the prescribed medication while driving. We have experience fighting cases where people were charged with driving under the influence of their prescribed medications.

Why You Need an Experienced Ann Arbor DUI Drug Law Firm on Your Side

If you are facing charges because you were operating a vehicle while you had a Schedule 1 drug in your system, you need a leading Ann Arbor DUI law firm on your side. We have experience creating a strong criminal defense for drug crime cases, and we will fight to protect your constitutional rights while working hard to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation, and our team will thoroughly review your active OWPD case.