Aggressive Defense Against DUI And Traffic Charges

Can you get a DUI without drinking alcohol?

On Behalf of | Dec 22, 2022 | DUI |

In Hawaii, the penalties for drunk driving are significant. Even a first offense is quite serious, with potential consequences including expensive fines, loss of driving privileges and more. If you are facing DUI charges, it is in your interests to take your situation seriously and work on developing the most effective and appropriate defense strategy possible. It may surprise you to learn that you could find yourself in this position, even if you did not consume any alcohol.

It is possible to face criminal charges for driving under the influence even if you did not have a single drink. There are different types of substances and conditions that can cause intoxication, and driving while intoxicated can result in your arrest and charges, regardless of the source of the intoxication. Intoxication occurs when anything affects you to the point where it impacts your cognitive function and physical reactions.

What causes intoxication?

Every person is different, and a person’s biological reaction to an intoxicating substance is specific to the individual. Alcohol is the most common intoxicating substance, and law enforcement is able to measure the amount of alcohol in a person’s system through certain types of chemical tests. Other reasons why someone could be intoxicated include:

  • Medications: There are certain medical conditions that can cause intoxication, including pain medication or those used for the treatment of mood disorders. It can be especially dangerous to combine these drugs with even a small amount of alcohol.
  • Medical conditions: Certain types of medical conditions can leave a person unable to safely drive, or they may increase risk when a person with these conditions consumes alcohol.

Facing a DUI is intimidating, especially when you have had little to no alcohol to drink. This makes it especially important to defend your interests and fight for the best possible outcome to your case.

Developing the right defense strategy

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to defending against drunk driving charges. If you are facing a DUI in Hawaii, you will benefit from seeking immediate and knowledgeable help regarding the best approach for your individual situation. With the right defense strategy, you will be able to confront the charges against you, fighting to potentially minimize the consequences you are facing. Even if you did not consume alcohol, your long-term interests are at stake.