Posts Tagged driving under the influence of an intoxicant

New Tool to Aid Law Enforcement in D.U.I. Enforcement

Many road warriors across the country know that if you drink too much alcohol and operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway you may be arrested for Driving Under the Influence (D.U.I.). A lot of drivers are not aware that a D.U.I. charge may also arise out of the use of prescription medication and/or the use of marijuana (even if legal in your state to consume). The issue for law enforcement, however, is how to test for medications and marijuana traces from the person suspected of committing a D.U.I. based on the consumption of drugs alone and not alcohol (while not obtaining a blood sample). Law enforcement agencies have long implemented the use of a portable breath test device to detect the presence of alcohol on a suspect, but now- a new tool has been adopted by law enforcement agencies to combat drivers who are suspected to be impaired by drugs.

According to a recent U.S.A. Today article, the new tool for law enforcement agencies is a portable “lab” that can test the oral fluids of the alleged D.U.I. offender through a simple swab of the suspect’s mouth for saliva. The device is called the Dräger DrugTest® 5000. The device is supposed to determine if the driver has any traces (in their saliva) of drugs including, but not limited to: amphetamines, opiates, cocaine, and cannabinoids. As of the publishing of the U.S.A. Today article, law enforcement agencies in several cities have already implemented the device in the field.

Presumably, the use and science behind this new tool for law enforcement will be challenged in a court of law (much like the alcohol portable breath test device has been for years). Please remember if you or someone you know has been charged with a D.U.I. alleging alcohol or drug impairment, make sure to call and speak with one of our attorneys at the Oberman and Rice Law Firm. The Obermand and Rice Law Firm can be reached 24/7 at (865) 249-7200 or by email at oberman@tndui.com, sara@tndui.com or az@tndui.com.

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Staying Alive on I-75

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is participating in a six state effort to enforce traffic laws on Interstate 75 this weekend.

I-75 , which runs through Knoxville, stretches all the way from Miami to Canada.  According to WATE-TV News in Knoxville, all six states that share I-75 will be participating in a program entitled “Staying Alive on I-75” this weekend, March 28-30, 2014.  This is part of a nationwide effort to reduce traffic fatalities.  Motorists can expect to see an increase in the number of police officers, including members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, along the I-75 corridor.  Officers will be looking for distracted drivers, those breaking traffic rules, and anyone suspected of driving under the influence (DUI).

Among the six states participating are Tennessee, Kentucky, and Michigan.  College basketball fans know that for these states, all roads lead to Indianapolis this weekend.  Knoxville fans headed to Indy will be driving I-75 for much of the trip.  It is important to remember to obey all traffic laws and to never get behind the wheel if you have had too much to drink.

If you do find yourself in the situation of being accused of a DUI, you should immediately contact a Tennessee DUI attorney familiar with Tennessee DUI laws.  For more information about the crime of DUI or about your legal rights with respect to an allegation of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, the lawyers at Oberman & Rice are available by calling (865) 249-7200.  You may also wish to visit www.tndui.com for more information about the offense of driving under the influence in Tennessee.

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