Drug Impaired Driving: Protecting Your Rights Against Serious Charges

Facing a drug impaired driving charge in Rhode Island can lead to severe penalties, including license suspension, heavy fines, and potential jail time. Almagno Law provides experienced, strategic defense to fight back against these allegations and protect your future.

Common Causes of Drug Impaired Driving Charges

1. Prescription Medication
Some legally prescribed drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), and certain sleep aids, can impair coordination, judgment, or reaction time—even when taken as directed.

2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Antihistamines, cold medicines, and other OTC drugs may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting driving ability.

3. Illicit Drug Use
Substances like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and methamphetamine can severely impair motor skills, perception, and decision-making.

4. Mixing Substances
Combining drugs—or mixing them with alcohol—can amplify impairment, even if each substance alone wouldn’t have caused significant issues.

5. Unawareness of Side Effects
Drivers may not realize a new or previously unused medication can impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

6. Residual Effects or “Hangover” Impairment
Impairment may persist even after the main effects of a drug have worn off, especially with long-acting medications or substances like THC.

7. Improper Dosage or Misuse
Taking higher-than-prescribed doses or using medication for non-medical reasons can increase the risk of impairment.

Common Consequences of Drug Impaired Driving

License Suspension: A conviction often results in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, sometimes even for a first offense.
Fines and Court Fees: Drug impaired driving can come with hefty fines, court costs, and mandatory fees for reinstating driving privileges.
Jail Time: Depending on the severity of the charge and prior offenses, offenders may face time in jail—even for a first-time offense.
Mandatory DUI School or Substance Abuse Treatment: Courts may order enrollment in a DUI education program or require participation in substance abuse counseling.
Probation: Instead of, or in addition to, jail time, offenders may be placed on probation with strict conditions, including drug testing.
Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID):While more common for alcohol-related offenses, some jurisdictions may require IID installation depending on circumstances.
Criminal Record: A conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, impacting future employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Increased Insurance Costs: A drug DUI on your record can drastically raise your auto insurance premiums—or result in policy cancellation altogether.
Vehicle Impoundment: In some cases, authorities may impound your vehicle after an arrest or conviction.

Determining Liability in Drug Impaired Driving Cases

Liability in drug impaired driving cases often hinges on evidence of impairment and whether the driver’s actions endangered public safety. Prosecutors may use field sobriety tests, drug recognition expert evaluations, toxicology reports, and witness statements to build their case. Almagno Law carefully reviews all aspects of the arrest—looking for procedural errors, unreliable testing, or insufficient evidence—to challenge liability and protect your rights.

Types of Drug Impaired Driving Cases We Handle

At Almagno Law, we represent clients facing a wide range of drug impaired driving charges, including:

No matter the circumstances, our team delivers a strong, strategic defense focused on minimizing penalties and protecting your future.

Why Choose Almagno Law for Your Drug Impaired Driving Defense?

At Almagno Law, we know the serious consequences of a drug impaired driving charge—license suspension, costly fines, a potential criminal record, and even jail time. Our team combines strategic insight with deep experience in Rhode Island DUI laws to build a strong defense. Whether your case involves prescription medication, illegal substances, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, we work to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and secure the best possible outcome for your future.

Our Testimonials

“Almagno Law provided me with superb legal services after my auto accident. I was represented well and received the fair compensation I deserved due to the firm’s tireless efforts and relentless determination. During the claims process, they kept in constant contact, informing me of any developments and demonstrating genuine concern about my recovery. I am assured that this process would not have gone as well without their expertise.”

Jerry G - Griff Inc

“After encountering some sever legal trouble, I was referred to Almagno Law. The firm handled my case with professionalism and gravitas. I felt fully supported and prepared for the obstacles that lay ahead of me. Almagno Law worked tirelessly to ensure I could settle the case in the most efficient way possible. Ultimately they got the case dismissed and the criminal charges dropped. I would recommend Almagno Law to anyone facing legal troubles.”

Laura F - Agro

“When I first faced a DUI charge, I felt like my life was over. I want to thank Almagno Law for everything they did during this tough time. They ensured I was treated fairly every step of the way. I felt cared for as an actual person, and not just as a client. They stayed in touch throughout the case, and even after. Ultimately, all the criminal charges were dismissed, and I only paid a minimal civil fine. That was the best possible outcome, and I know the firm was crucial to that victory.”

Angela R - Rays

“I was in a car accident in New York in the bronx. the insurance company did not want to pay me any money. Lawrence sued in New York and through mediation got me over 150K for my shoulder injury. ”

Robert

“I was sued in federal court in Boston for a deal that went wrong with respect to stock my company sold. The company was suing me for millions. Lawrence got the whole thing against myself and my employees thrown out of court prior to trial including fraud charges.”

Chris C

“I was charged falsely by my ex for abuse, in addition to having her move to modify child support and custody. Lawrence fought back relentlessly, got the charges dismissed criminally and then was successful in negotiation a better child support payment and visitation schedule with full custodial rights then existed prior to the charge. ”

“I was injured in Massachusetts in a car accident. The insurance company said it was my fault and offered me 2k. Lawrence sued and got me Policy limits, and then went after my insurance policy for underinsured benefits and I am sure he will get the same thing. ”

Constance S

“I was told I met the maximum time i could obtain on my workers compensation benefits, no attorney would take my case. Lawrence got me an additional 3 years on workers compensation.”

Helen

“I was hit by another car on 95 south. The other driver tried to blame me. Her insurance company sided with her. Lawrence took them to court had an accident reconstruction expert piece back the accident, and with that the insurance company still would not budge. Lawrence kept fighting and was taking the case to trial, when finally the insurance company realized they were not going to win.”

Xiaye WU

Frequently Asked Question

1. Can I be charged even if the drug was prescribed to me?

Yes. Even legally prescribed medications can lead to DUI charges if they impair your judgment, reaction time, or coordination while driving.

2. How do police determine drug impairment?

Officers may use field sobriety tests, drug recognition experts (DREs), and chemical testing (blood or urine) to assess impairment.

3. Can I be charged if I wasn’t actually driving?

Yes. In Rhode Island, you can be charged if you’re in “actual physical control” of the vehicle—even if you’re parked or pulled over—while impaired.

4. What if I didn’t know the medication could impair me?

Lack of awareness may not prevent charges, but it can play a role in your defense. We work to highlight intent, dosage, and medical context in these situations.

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