Number of Teens Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Increasing

November 30, 2012 (Press-News.org) Many Illinois communities take very aggressive approaches to dealing with the issue of drunk driving. Law enforcement will often publicize DUI campaigns in advance, so that the public is aware of increased patrols in the region. Officials then use this arrest information to determine where to look for drunk drivers in the future, hoping that certain trends can be discovered that can lead to safer roadways.

Young motorists often learn about drunk driving laws as soon as they begin to learn how to drive. Illinois, like many other jurisdictions, is a zero tolerance state. This means that if any alcohol, even if it is only a minor amount, is detected on a driver under the age of 21, he or she can be facing significant penalties.

Every two years, the Illinois Youth Survey asks teens about drinking and driving habits. In Tazewell County, the number of teens drinking and driving has decreased steadily since 2006. However, the county has seen an increase in teens that are driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription medications and other illegal drugs. Many teens are unaware that driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, can bring DUI charges.

When a motorist is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, he or she will go through a slightly different process during the traffic stop. Once an officer suspects that a motorist is under the influence of some type of drug,

Since there are so many different types of drugs that have different signs of intoxication, it can be difficult to determine if a person is actually impaired. An officer will begin a series of exercises to check the individual's reactions to visual cues. Depending upon how the motorist performs, the officer may then proceed to the next steps.

One of the more concerning aspects of a drugged driving stops centers around the amount of discretion that is given to the officer. If, after all the tests, the officer suspects the motorist is under the influence of a drug, the officer can order the individual to subject to tests to determine which substance is present in the individual's bloodstream. This information can then be used against the motorist in subsequent court cases.

If you have been accused of drugged driving or driving under the influence, it is important to understand the options available to you. Speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney to help protect your rights. In these cases, there are a lot of specific procedures that must be followed. If law enforcement does not adhere to these steps, this may be a crucial factor as you build your defense.

Article provided by Borsberry Law Offices, P.C.
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