Could You Be Charged with Drug DUI in Connecticut?

 Posted on May 23, 2025 in Driving Under the Influence

A Clinton, CT man was recently arrested on DUI and drug charges following a traffic stop in Wallingford. The man’s SUV was observed crossing the double yellow center lines multiple times. According to police, the man exhibited signs of intoxication and/or drug use. Drug paraphernalia and a significant amount of illegal drugs were found in the car, and a field sobriety test indicated the man was impaired.

In addition to being charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, charges included possession of a controlled substance, distribution/sale of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license, and failure to maintain a lane. While a person can be charged with having an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle at the time of a  DUI arrest, when a person is driving while under the influence of drugs, he or she may also face serious drug charges.

If you have been charged with a drug or alcohol DUI, it is important that you seek highly skilled DUI legal representation. It is virtually never a good idea to attempt to defend yourself against DUI charges, as the penalties can be severe and long-lasting. Speaking to a Stamford, CT DUI lawyer as soon as you are charged gives you a much better chance of a positive outcome.

How is an Alcohol DUI Different from a Drug DUI?

Although there are similarities between an alcohol DUI and a drug DUI – namely, the penalties - there are also some significant differences. It is illegal in the state of Connecticut to drive while impaired. An alcohol DUI tends to be a little more straightforward since a person’s blood alcohol level can be at least somewhat accurately measured by a breathalyzer test.

A drug DUI could be charged if a driver is under the influence of marijuana, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Having a valid prescription for drugs that could impair the ability to drive is no defense to a drug DUI. If the drug impacts the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, charges could be filed. This includes marijuana. Even though marijuana is legal in the state, drivers may not operate a motor vehicle when impaired by marijuana.   

How is Impairment Measured for Drug DUI?

While there may be no noticeable odor of alcohol coming from a driver suspected of DUI, marijuana has a distinct smell, and Connecticut law enforcement officers are trained to notice other factors that point to impairment. These may include dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, slurred or erratic speech, an inability to follow instructions, and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Field sobriety tests may be administered, but are not always accurate for an individual impaired by drugs. If the suspect is arrested, he or she may be asked to submit to a blood or urine test, although blood tests are commonly performed at a hospital or medical facility. The DUI suspect has the right to refuse a blood test and be offered a urine test.

Two samples, given at least 10 minutes apart, are required. Urine tests are widely considered to be the least reliable type of chemical test in the detection of drugs or alcohol. Detecting marijuana impairment through a blood test can be particularly unreliable, as use as far back as 30 days can be detected.    

Penalties for a Drug DUI in Connecticut

As noted, penalties for both drug and alcohol DUI are largely the same. For a first drug DUI, the defendant can face a fine as large as $1,000, a 30-day mandatory minimum jail sentence, and the potential for up to a year in prison. A second drug DUI has the same fine with a 120-day mandatory minimum jail sentence and up to two years in prison.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT Drug DUI Lawyer

If you have been charged with a DUI – whether for drugs or alcohol – you must take the charges seriously by speaking to an experienced Stamford, CT drug DUI attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner. Our firm has been successfully helping clients for more than four decades. Call 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.