DUI Accident Reported Just South of Atlanta

Newnan, Ga. – According to reports out of Clayton County, an alleged DUI driver caused a collision at the intersection of two major roads in Newnan. Police were called to the scene of the accident and noticed that the driver of one the vehicles seemed to be under the influence.

This led to a DUI investigation. Reports show that the driver admitted to being under the influence of narcotics – both Oxycontin and Percocet. Officers then searched the vehicle and discovered felony narcotics including methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and prescription painkillers. The driver was arrested on various charges including DUI in Newnan.

As a Newnan DUI Lawyer, I will outline the law on DUI as it is written in Georgia. The law includes narcotics – even prescription medication. Read below.

DUI Drugs

DUI Drugs in Georgia is known by Georgia Law as:

“A person shall not drive while under the influence of any drug to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive; a person shall not drive under the influence of a combination of substances (i.e. drugs and alcohol) to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive; a person cannot be under the influence of prescription drugs, even if a drug or drugs are prescribed legally.” O.C.G.A. §40-6-391.

The investigating officer will be looking for anything that might be a clue to driving under the influence. There is no quantitative legal limit for being under the influence of drugs or impaired by drugs. Instead, officers will consider all of the factors surrounding both the investigation and the arrest including but not limited to: manner of driving, sobriety test results, behaviors, conversational skills, etc.

In order to be convicted of DUI Drugs, the state of Georgia must prove whether or not someone is driving under the influence of a drug or drugs to the extent that he or she is a less safe driver. Since there is no quantitative legal limit for drug consumption, the arresting officers' observations are the determining factors.

The penalties for a first-time conviction for DUI-Drugs in Georgia can include a minimum of 24 hours in jail, a fine of at least $300, 12 months on probation, 40 hours of community experience, DUI School completion, and clinical drug and alcohol evaluation.  

Practice Note

It is of the utmost importance that you hire legal representation if you have been arrested for DUI. Call our offices now.