Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is incredibly dangerous and can easily lead to a serious accident. However, driving under the influence of other drugs is equally dangerous, and Arizona has some of the toughest DUI drug laws in the country. If you or a loved one recently sustained injuries in an accident caused by a driver under the influence of illicit drugs, contact AZ DUI Victim attorneys today for a case review and find out your options for legal recovery.
When you need legal representation for a drug-related DUI accident, you need an attorney with the experience and resources required to guide you to a positive result.
Your choice of attorney will have a significant impact on your DUI victim claim, and you need to be confident in your choice of legal counsel.
Your attorney can help you understand the legal implications of your situation, gather the evidence necessary to prove the full extent of your losses, and offer legal advice if you are unsure of your next steps. A DUI accident attorney will review the evidence in play in the criminal case from the state against the at-fault driver, handle any related insurance claims on your behalf, and represent your interests in trial if necessary.
A DUI arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to misdemeanor charges and a host of legal penalties including fines, driver’s license suspension, or even jail time. However, Arizona has some of the harshest DUI penalties in the country, and a DUI arrest involving drugs can lead to felony charges and even more severe legal penalties, especially if the accident resulted in bodily injury or death to another person.
When a DUI accident injures another driver, the state handles the criminal proceedings against the at-fault driver, while the victims can pursue compensation for their damages through civil claims. The standard of proof in a criminal case is much higher than that of a civil case, so it is generally safe to assume that if the court convicts the at-fault driver for criminal DUI charges, your attorney should be able to meet the standard of proof in your civil claim.
A driver arrested for a drug-related DUI offense will likely face additional criminal charges for drug possession, reckless endangerment, public intoxication, or many other possible related charges. These charges will influence sentencing, but the civil case revolves around the victim’s damages. The evidence in play in the criminal case can influence the civil case, and the plaintiff in the civil case may need to testify against the at-fault driver in the criminal proceedings.
A DUI case involving drugs can present unique challenges when it comes to evidence gathering. Some drugs are only detectable for a few hours following consumption while others can create metabolites that linger in the user’s system for many days or even weeks. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a DUI accident with a drugged driver, you need an attorney with extensive DUI accident case experience to help you prove your damages and secure compensation. Contact AZ DUI Victim attorneys today for a consultation about your recent drugged driving accident, and we can let you know how our firm can help your recovery.