Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) in Oklahoma

DUIs are typically thought of as arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. While this is a common reason for a DUI arrest, a person can also be arrested for driving while under the influence of any number of drugs. Some of these drugs may even be legal to possess and use but if they are in a driver’s system, it is illegal for that person to drive.

Drugs and DUIs

Any trace of a Schedule 1 drug in your system will result in a DUI, as the state makes any trace of drugs in your system the equivalent of a .08 BAC. There are many drugs than can result in an arrest, including:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Valium
• Xanax

DUIs due to drug use are more difficult for an officer to assess. There is no field equipment like a Breathalyzer that can easily tell if someone has a drug in his or her system. For this reason, Oklahoma has begun training officers to be Drug Recognition “Experts” who supposedly can assess a suspect. There is a 12-step procedure that officers must follow to determine if the arrest was warranted.

It should be noted that the accused has already been arrested and taken to jail before they are asked to take these “voluntary” observations.

Additionally, these “tests” were designed by cops and then evaluated by cops when them decided to anoint themselves with the Expert title. They involve observation of muscle tone, pulse, blood pressure, taking you into a dark room and shining a bright light in your eyes. They are cobbling medical tests, medical observations and preconceived notions into an opinion. The opinion is reached only after asking—yes, asking—the arrestee what they have taken. Then the person is sent to have his or her blood drawn.

A Defense Team Who Knows the System

An experienced attorney can make all the difference in a DUI trial, particularly when drugs are involved. The attorneys at the Edge Law Firm have been through DRE training using the same protocols as the officers use. 

We’re ready to fight for you. Call us today or schedule a free case consultation online.

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