Drug DUI

When you’re facing drug DUI charges, it’s crucial to have zealous and proficient legal representation, and Ridings Law Group is the team to trust. With a proven track record, our team possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate through the complex the legal system, fighting relentlessly for your rights. We understand that a drug DUI can carry life-altering consequences, and the necessity of a well-structured defense strategy cannot be overstated. At Ridings Law Group, we are dedicated to diligently representing the interests of our clients, prioritizing communication so you are well-informed every step of the way. A profound understanding of the law, coupled with our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality service is the cornerstone of our practice. Call us today at (615) 851-1888 to discuss how we can assist you in challenging your drug DUI case.

Definition of Drug DUI

Being charged with a DUI for drugs – whether illicit substances or legal prescription medications – can severely impact your life, causing turbulence and uncertainty. The ramifications reach far beyond potential fines and incarceration, potentially affecting your reputation and professional opportunities. However, having capable legal representation can drastically improve your chances of navigating these challenges effectively, and reduce the stress you are presumably under right now. Understanding your situation from a legal perspective is paramount, and our law firm is fully equipped to provide comprehensive guidance with David Ridings at the helm.

In Tennessee, driving under the influence of drugs falls under the same laws as an alcohol related DUI, as detailed in Tennessee Code Annotated section 55-10-401. This statute elucidates that operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of ANY intoxicant, including drugs, which impairs the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle, is prohibited. Therefore, a driver can face a drug DUI charge regardless of whether the substance involved is legal or illegal, prescribed, or over-the-counter.

It’s critical to recognize that the analysis of whether a driver is under the influence involves more than a simple drug test. The totality of circumstances, including your behavior at the time of the arrest, performance on field sobriety tests, and any statements you made, will be considered by both the prosecution and the defense. Remember, Mr. Ridings always advocates for a person to refuse all testing and questioning wihtout an attorney.  So never make the mistake of talking to police or taking a roadside test. However, if you have already made that mistake, do not fear.  Mr. Ridings knows how to defend you by finding the countless mistakes of law enforcement and using those mistakes to invalidate evidence obtained.

Here at our law firm, we wholeheartedly support individuals who are charged with DUI offenses, no matter the circumstance. We understand that everyone’s situation is different, and we stand ready to deliver tailored strategies that match the specific facts of your case. With David Ridings at your side, a drug DUI charge doesn’t have to result in the worst possible outcome.

How Drugs May Impair Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) is an offense that carries serious legal recriminations and social stigma. Notably, this issue goes beyond alcohol consumption and extends to various other substances, both legally prescribed and illicit drugs. Our law firm stands in the legal corner of individuals charged with drug DUI, presenting solid defense strategies that are derived from an in-depth understanding of the complexities linked to drug-impaired driving.

The use of drugs, whether legal prescription medications or controlled substances, can significantly impact an individual’s capacity to operate a vehicle safely. For instance, the use of opiates might result in drowsiness, impaired thinking, and slowed reaction time; while marijuana might impede time perception, movement coordination and impair judgements. Furthermore, such impairments could potentially attract charges of a drug DUI beyond the bounds of illegal substances alone.

Being accused of drug DUI is a daunting experience. The severity of charges, the potential consequences, and the prospect of obtaining a criminal record can be overwhelming. We sympathetically understand the social implications and how they might affect one’s personal and professional life. Being experienced in representing clients with drug DUI charges, our team of skilled attorneys will navigate the legal labyrinth on your behalf so you don’t have to face this ordeal alone. Our strategies are tailored to each individual’s unique situation, putting forth the strongest defense against their charges. Together, we aim to safeguard your rights, your freedom, and your reputation.

Defenses to Drug DUI

Facing a drug DUI charge can be an overwhelming event with potential serious consequences. David Ridings is our firm’s leader.  He possesses profound understanding and capabilities in challenging such charges. Primarily, he will meticulously scrutinize the circumstance of your arrest, particularly the legitimacy of the stop. This means examining whether the law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop. It could be that the stop was not substantiated by credible reasons, a defense that Mr. Ridings is adept in evaluating. After all, David Ridings is a former (now retired) Metro Nashville Police Officer, former Nashville  DA’s office prosecutor, and currently a Judicial Magistrate and DUI Defense lawyer.  His experience over the past, nearly, forty years is unmatched.

Moreover, Ridings will fiercely question the validity of arrests based on the absence of probable cause. Probable cause is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion, requiring more than just a hunch to justify an arrest. Often, probable cause can be difficult to establish in drug DUI scenarios. Ridings is versed in intricate legal frameworks, will diligently scrutinize this aspect of your case, and provide you with the best defense that you could have.

Furthermore, testing procedures in drug DUI cases are prone to errors that can significantly affect results’ accuracy. Inconsistencies in testing protocols, lapses in examination procedures, or faulty equipment can all be grounds to challenge the test’s credibility—grounds our attorneys can proficiently navigate.

Lastly, physical symptoms presented as evidence of drug use are often susceptible to alternative explanations. For instance, red eyes or shaky hands are physical signs often tied to drug use but can result from fatigue or stress. David Ridings is well equipped with the know-how to debunk such generalized assumptions and present a well-rounded defense on your behalf. While every case is unique, rest assured that our competent team led by Ridings is persistently prepared to advocate for your rights effectively. Ultimately, we are committed to providing comprehensive and robust defense strategies to safeguard your interests profoundly.

Penalties for Drug DUI

If you’ve been accused of a Drug DUI offense in the state of Tennessee, you are surely aware of the severe consequences that could potentially disrupt your life. Under Tennessee law, such an offense is immensely serious and carries stringent penalties. If convicted, you may find yourself subjected to substantial fines and even a certain term of imprisonment. Additionally, you could face a significant suspension of your driver’s license. There are also several factors that can lead to elevated penalties, such as prior convictions, high BAC levels at the time of arrest, or causing bodily harm or property damage while driving under the influence.

It’s important to recognize the gravity of the situation and take proactive steps to protect your rights. Our team at the law firm is adept at navigating the complex legal landscape of Drug DUI cases. We primarily focus our services on standing up for and representing individuals accused of Drug DUI offenses. If facing these charges, our law firm delves deeply into your case, scrutinizing every detail with an eye toward crafting the most robust defense possible.

It is our explicit aim to reduce the ramifications of this ordeal on your life and we invariably strive to quest for a fair and just resolution. Keep in mind, each case is unique and distinct, but we are committed to providing quality legal representation for each and every one of our clients. Rest assured, we are here to offer guidance and support, helping you navigate the often challenging path that lies ahead.

Offenses Related to Drug DUI

Navigating through the complex tapestry of DUI cases, particularly when drugs are involved, can be daunting and confusing. As (arguably) one of the most experienced DUI defense firms in Nashville, our role is to guide you through the intricacies of the legal system, advocating for your rights and striving for a favorable outcome. It’s important to understand that a charge of drug DUI often brings additional issues to the forefront, such as potential allegations of drug possession or usage of drug paraphernalia. These are peculiar circumstances with legal definitions and consequences that can dramatically impact a case. For instance, a law enforcement officer who, during a DUI arrest, finds illicit substances in the arrestee’s vehicle may also file possession charges. Similarly, discovery of items that facilitate drug usage may lead to accusations of employing drug paraphernalia.

While these circumstances might seem dire, remember that our legal team represents defendants with a steadfast commitment to ensuring due process. We do not represent victims of DUI accidents, rather, our primary focus is helping defendants make sense of the charges they face, informing them of their rights, while advising on the best path forward. The fight against drug DUI charges should not be faced alone. Ridings Law Group is here to make the process clear, standing beside you every step of the way. Rest assured, you will not be left adrift in the tumultuous sea of legal proceedings. Together, we can seek a resolution that is in your best interests.

Let Us Help You Fight Your Charges

When dealing with Drug DUI charges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to navigate this process alone. At Ridings Law Group, we advocate consistently and devotedly on behalf of our clients. Mr. Ridings is well versed in the legal intricacies of Drug DUI cases and is ready to provide guidance and counsel. He has spent his entire adult life on one side of the criminal justice system, or the other.  He has nearly 40 years of real street experience you simply cannot get from a book.  David Ridings is arguably the best DUI defense attorney in Nashville, Tennessee. Count on it. Hundreds of people already have. He has a 5 star rating on Google, and countless other reviews on judicial websites such as Avvo, and Justia.

David Ridings, Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney, will thoroughly examine all evidence, work tirelessly to build a strong defense, and challenge the prosecution every step of the way. He will ensure that you have the information necessary to understand your charges, your rights, and your options. Ridings knows that every situation is unique, which is why he will craft individualized defense strategies that are most likely to yield the best possible outcome. Don’t let the weight of the legal system bear down on you alone; call Nashville’s premier DUI Defense Attorney, David Ridings at (615) 851-1888 for the most competent legal representation you can get in Nashville.