Cleveland DUI Drugged Driving Attorney
Like drunk driving, drugged driving – or DUID – is a severe criminal offense in Ohio. If a driver incurs a conviction for DUID, they may face severe legal penalties, including hefty monetary fines, suspension of their driver’s license, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances. If you face a criminal charge for DUID, you want the strongest possible legal team in your corner advocating for you every step of the way.
The experienced Cleveland drugged driving attorneys at Patituce & Associates, LLC understand the seriousness of a DUID charge and the potential penalties you might incur upon conviction. Our team has the knowledge and skills to aggressively defend you against your criminal charge or help you pursue the lowest possible penalty for a conviction. We can also obtain a favorable plea deal on your behalf with the district attorney handling your criminal case.
Let us help you achieve the case result that you need and deserve. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Cleveland DUID defense attorney, please call us or online today for more information.
Schedule your free consultationtoday or give us a call at (440) 771-1175
Why Choose Us for Your Legal Defense Needs?
A conviction for drugged driving — also known as DUID — can result in serious criminal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. The experienced Cleveland drugged driving attorneys at Patituce & Associates, LLC understand the seriousness of these charges and will aggressively defend you against them. Our team has more than 70 years of combined experience and has successfully tried hundreds of criminal cases to verdict.
We understand that your specific situation requires individualized attention, and we are dedicated to providing just that.
No Case is Hopeless
We Don't Back Down. Ever.
Explore some of our recent wins.
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Case Dismissed CLEVELAND V. AL-NAZER (2012 TRC 040781)
Our client was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs, or alcohol.
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Not Guilty At Trial ROCKY RIVER V. D.F.
Client was charged with domestic violence against his wife.
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Plea and Record Expunged STATE V. BAILEY, CUYAHOGA
Client was accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of property.
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Charges Dismissed State v. Beckwith, Cuyahoga County
Student charged with the manufacturing of ecstasy.
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Case Dismissed STATE V. J.S. (A JUVENILE) YOUNGSTOWN
Local counsel pushed for a plea to one of the sex related charges.
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Acquittal State v. Tevin Biles
Client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party.
Ways That DUID Cases Resolve in Cleveland
There are multiple ways that drugged driving cases are resolved in Ohio. In some cases, especially where a strong defense exists, a bench or jury trial may be the best option. If a prosecutor cannot prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, a judge may dismiss the charges. In other situations, your attorney may negotiate a favorable plea deal, which can reduce the severity of the penalties imposed.
What Are the Two Types of Criminal Drugged Driving Charges in Ohio?
Ohio recognizes two types of drugged driving charges: OVI impaired and OVI per se. An OVI impaired charge requires proof that a drug noticeably affected the driver’s ability to drive safely. An OVI per se charge can be obtained if a chemical test shows a drug concentration above the legal limit — even if actual impairment isn’t proven. If a driver refuses a urine or blood test, they can only be arrested for an OVI impaired charge, but taking the test and exceeding the legal limits can lead to both types of charges.
What Are the Allowable Drug Levels?
The amount of drugs a driver may legally have in their system in Ohio depends on the drug type and whether the test is urine or blood. For example, methamphetamine limits are 500 ng/mL in urine or 100 ng/mL in blood, cocaine 150 ng/mL in urine or 50 ng/mL in blood, heroin 2,000 ng/mL in urine or 50 ng/mL in blood, and marijuana 10 ng/mL in urine or 2 ng/mL in blood. A driver with excessively high drug concentrations may also face a “super DUI.”
Possible Penalties for a Drugged Driving Charge
If a prosecutor secures a conviction on a drugged driving charge, the penalties will depend on various factors, including chemical test results and prior record. Potential consequences include monetary fines, jail time, supervised probation, required drug testing and rehabilitation, and suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Convictions can also have collateral impacts on employment, housing, education, and reputation.
Defending Against a Drugged Driving Charge in Cleveland
Your defense attorney can challenge various aspects of the prosecution’s case. This can include arguing that chemical test procedures were flawed, that there was no valid reason for the initial traffic stop, or that constitutional rights (such as Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure) were violated. Other potential defenses include challenging field sobriety test accuracy or asserting improper questioning after rights were invoked.
What Happens If My DUID Case Goes to Trial?
If you choose not to accept a plea agreement, your case may proceed to trial. At trial, the prosecution must present evidence that proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney will have the opportunity to cross‑examine the state’s witnesses, challenge evidence, and present your defense. Regardless of how the case proceeds, experienced legal representation is crucial to protecting your rights and seeking the best possible outcome.
Contact an Experienced Drugged Driving Attorney in Cleveland as Soon as Possible
If you are currently pending a drugged driving charge in Cleveland, time is of the essence. If you fail to secure qualified legal counsel right away, you may inadvertently jeopardize your legal rights in your case as a whole. This is because a defense attorney needs ample time to gather evidence to challenge your charges, speak to witnesses, formulate legal defenses, and prepare your case for trial.
At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our experienced attorneys can aggressively represent you at every stage of the legal proceedings in your case. We can help you assert a solid legal defense to your charge or work to secure a favorable plea deal from the state prosecutor, depending on your circumstances.
We know many ways to defend against DUID charges, and we will build the strongest possible defense in your favor. We review all evidence against you and determine the best ways to challenge it, often resulting in a case dismissal or acquittal. We can also present a strong case for a plea deal or a lighter sentence for a conviction.
If a court convicts you of a criminal offense, it can affect you for the rest of your life. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Cleveland DUID defense attorney, please call us at (440) 771-1175 or online today.
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We Know the Legal System
Our criminal defense attorneys understand the legal system and local courts, helping you navigate your case efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
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We Give You Peace of Mind
Being charged with a crime is overwhelming. With our team on your side, you can focus on your life while an experienced professional handles your defense.
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We Fight For Your Rights
Police and prosecutors sometimes push the limits of the law. We work to protect your rights and prevent unconstitutional evidence from being used against you.
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We Build A Strategic Defense
Fighting criminal charges requires a strong strategy. Our experienced team builds a defense tailored to the specific facts of your case.
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We Work to Mitigate Consequences
One of the main benefits of hiring our Ohio criminal defense attorneys is our ability to help reduce the potential consequences of a conviction.
