Synthetic drugs are unregulated substances made up of spices, incense, and herbs that are sprayed with synthetic mind-altering chemicals that may produce hallucinogenic effects. Although some people believe synthetic cannabinoids are just a type of marijuana, they are more dangerous than marijuana. Another type of synthetic drug is bath salts, which are synthetic drugs made to copy the chemical found in a khat plant. It can be dangerous to drive on synthetic drugs, and it is also illegal. If you are caught and charged with a synthetic drug DUI, it’s important to consult an attorney who understands how to build a strong defense.
Synthetic drugs have grown in popularity in the United States. Many people assume that synthetic drugs are safely or naturally grown, and thereby overlook the danger of these drugs. Often these drugs are made of substances that haven’t been tested on people and are made in other countries. Some synthetic drugs include synthetic cannibinoids and synthetic cathinones and synthetic stimulants, also called bath salts. These are considered new psychoactive substances and they are increasingly triggering visits to the emergency room.
There are risky side effects of synthetic stimulants, including dizziness, headaches, stomach issues, nightmares, violent conduct and hallucinations. Meanwhile bath salts can result in depression and brain damage. Synthetic cannabinoids also known as Spice and Black Mamba can trigger unpredictable reactions such as paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and even violent conduct. Often these drugs are cheaper than other drugs and marketed towards teenagers.
In Arizona, you can be charged with driving under the influence of drugs if (1) you operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of an illegal substance or (2) you operate a motor vehicle under the influence of a legal substance if you were impaired while driving. Under A.R.S. section 28-1381(A)(1) you aren’t allowed to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug or combination of drugs, if you are impaired to the slightest degree. Under A.R.S. section 28-1381(A)(3), it’s illegal to drive while there’s any drug that’s defined in section 13-3401 or its metabolite in the body. The drugs defined under A.R.S. §13-3401 include a very long list of substances; if these substances are found in the synthetic drug you took, it will be irrelevant whether you were impaired while driving under the influence. The relevant question instead will be whether drug metabolites were found in your body. It’s important to realize certain metabolites can stay in your body for ages, long after a drug’s effects are gone.
The penalties for a drug DUI can be quite serious just as they are for a drinking DUI. A first offense drug DUI is charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. If you’re convicted, you can face a maximum of 6 months in jail, mandatory alcohol or drug screening, and a $2500 fine. You can be placed on probation for a maximum of 5 years. Generally, for an alcohol-related DUI, your license suspension would be 90 days with a restricted permit after 30 days. However, if you get charged with a drug DUI, you will face a maximum of 1 year’s suspension without being able to get a restricted or hardship driver’s license during that period.
It’s important to take a synthetic drug DUI seriously. A criminal record and license suspension can affect your ability to get a job or find a place to live. However, there are procedural and constitutional defenses that may be available to you with the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney. If you are charged with a synthetic drug DUI in Tempe, you should call experienced criminal defense attorney James E. Novak. Mr. Novak represents those charged with DUIs throughout the Phoenix area including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Maricopa County. Call him at (480) 413-1499 or via our online form.