Mar 04
Driving under the influence (DUI) is not limited to alcohol. In Ontario, drug-impaired driving is a serious offence that carries significant legal consequences. With the legalization of cannabis and the increasing use of prescription medications, more drivers are facing drug-related DUI charges—sometimes without even realizing they are impaired.
If you have been charged with a drug-impaired driving offence, it is crucial to understand the laws, the penalties, and how LZZ Defence can help protect your rights.
What Is Drug-Impaired Driving?
Drug-impaired driving refers to operating a vehicle while your ability to drive is affected by any drug, including:
- Cannabis (marijuana)
- Prescription medications (such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or sedatives)
- Over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness or slow reaction times
- Illegal substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, or LSD
Even if you have a valid prescription, you can still be charged if the medication impairs your ability to drive.
How Do Police Detect Drug Impairment?
Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, where breathalyzers can measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), drug impairment is assessed through:
- Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) – Officers look for signs of impairment, such as poor coordination or slow response times.
- Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) – Specially trained officers conduct further evaluations, including checking eye movement, pulse rate, and other physical signs.
- Oral Fluid Drug Screening – A roadside saliva test can detect certain drugs, such as THC, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- Blood Tests – If impairment is suspected, a blood test may be required to confirm drug levels.
Refusing to comply with these tests can result in criminal charges similar to a DUI.
How LZZ Defence Can Help Fight Drug-Impaired Driving Charges
A DUI charge involving drugs does not automatically mean a conviction. The experienced legal team at LZZ Defence can explore multiple defence strategies, including:
- Challenging the Accuracy of Drug Tests – Oral fluid and blood tests are not always reliable, and false positives can occur.
- Questioning Police Procedures – If the arresting officers did not follow proper procedures, the evidence against you may be excluded or inadmissible.
- Proving Lack of Impairment – Just because drugs are in your system does not mean you were impaired at the time of driving.
- Defending Against Unlawful Searches or Violations of Your Rights – If your rights were violated during the traffic stop or arrest, the charges could be dismissed.
At LZZ Defence, we specialize in DUI cases and will fight aggressively to protect your rights, your license, and your future.
Charged with Drug-Impaired Driving? Take Action Now!
If you or a loved one is facing drug-impaired driving charges, do not wait—contact LZZ Defence today. Our legal team will review your case, explain your options, and build a strong defence strategy.
Call now or visit LZZ Defence to schedule a consultation with a legal expert.
