Driving under the influence of drugs constitutes a very serious crime, placing both drivers and their passengers, as well as others on the road, at risk of serious injury or death.
In Dallas, a drugged driver faces serious criminal penalties under Texas law, including arrest, heavy fines, driver’s license suspension, mandatory drug education programs, probation, installation of an ignition interlock device, and even jail time.
It is very important that anyone driving a vehicle understand what drugged driving penalties are. Here we explained everything in detail.
How is Drugged Driving Defined in Texas?
Drugged driving is defined in terms of the use of a vehicle while impaired due to:
- The use of illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.
- Using medication prescribed by a doctor that may affect your ability to coordinate your movements and/or maintain alertness
- Using an over-the-counter medication that causes drowsiness or will take you longer than expected to respond to a situation.
Moreover, while Texas has not established a maximum drug concentration level (thereby allowing for a maximum threshold), prosecutors are still required to produce evidence that demonstrates that the driver was affected by the drug’s use.
What Is the Penalty for a First-Time Drugged Driving Conviction?
For a first-time conviction of drugged driving, the penalties could include:
- Fines of up to several thousand dollars
- Jail time between a few days and several months
- Revocation or suspension of your driving privileges
- The court will require you to attend some type of drug-detection or drug-abuse education/recovery program.
- Annual surcharges to maintain your driving privileges.
What Are the Increases in Penalties for Repeat Drugged Driving Convictions or Offenses?
A repeat drugged-driving conviction could result in
- Higher fine
- Imposition of a longer jail/prison sentence
- Imposition of a longer driver’s license suspension period
- Imposition of mandatory participation in a drug treatment program
Courts will often impose harsher penalties for a repeat DUI (drugged) driving conviction than they will for an initial DUI (drugged) conviction due to the potential risk to the general public.
What Are the Consequences of Drugged Driving if Someone Is Hurt or Killed?
If a driver operates a vehicle while impaired and that hurts someone, there will be significant, escalating penalties:
- If Injury Results (Intoxicated Assault):
- Possible jail time
- Steep fines
- The loss of driving privileges for years or decades
- If Death Results (Intoxicated Manslaughter):
- The possibility of multi-year prison sentences
- A permanent felony record
- Significant civil liability to victims’ families
In Addition to Criminal Charges, Do Drugged Drivers Face Other Consequences?
Yes, drugged drivers will also incur other consequences:
- Increased automobile insurance premiums
- Reduced job prospects
- Suspension of professional licenses for specific jobs
- Civil lawsuits from victims or family members
- Restrictions on travel due to their criminal record
Conclusion
Drugged driving in Dallas can lead to serious trouble, including fines, jail time, and losing your driver’s license. The penalties get worse if it’s not your first offense, and they become much more severe if someone is hurt or killed.
A conviction can also affect your job, insurance, and future opportunities. The safest choice is simple; never drive if you are under the influence of drugs.
Key Takeaways
- Penalties for drugged driving include jail time, fines, and suspension of the driver’s license.
- Repeated drug driving will result in harsher penalties.
- Causing injury or death to another person will increase criminal penalties dramatically.
- Having a criminal record has the potential to affect your ability to find and keep employment and/or limit your financial options.
- Choosing not to drive while under the influence of drugs is the most responsible and safest choice for everyone involved.
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