DUI with Drugs Attorney in Chattanooga

Arrested For Drugged Driving In This Area? Call Our Seasoned Attorneys

A sudden arrest for driving under the influence of drugs can leave you worried about your license, your record, and your future. If you are facing DUI with drugs charges in Chattanooga or nearby communities, Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC defends people in your situation and helps them understand what comes next.

We know that a DUI with drugs charge is not just a line on a ticket. It can affect your job, your ability to drive, and even your immigration status in some cases. Our team takes the time to listen to what happened, review the paperwork you received, and explain how Tennessee law applies to your case.

Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC brings decades of courtroom experience to every impaired driving matter we handle. When you contact us, you speak with a team that focuses on honest assessments, realistic expectations, and clear, straightforward advice instead of empty promises.

Don't let a "Drug Recognition Expert" decide your future. Secure a DUI with drugs attorney in Chattanooga who knows how to win. Call Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC at (423) 264-2206 or contact us online for a consultation.

Understanding Drugged Driving Charges in Chattanooga

State law does not limit impaired driving to alcohol. A person can be charged if an officer believes that drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, made them less able to drive safely. This can involve illegal drugs, prescription medications, over the counter medicines, or any mix of substances.

In many cases, prosecutors rely on more than one type of evidence. They may point to the officer’s observations of your driving, how you performed on field sobriety tests, and what happened during the roadside investigation. They may also use blood or urine test results and, in some situations, evaluations by officers trained to recognize drug impairment. Each of these pieces of evidence has specific rules about how it should be collected and used in court.

Drug intoxication cases can be complex because different substances affect people in different ways and at different speeds. A person using prescribed medication exactly as directed may still be accused of being impaired. A driver who used marijuana or another drug hours before driving may test positive even when they no longer feel any effect. Understanding how timing, dosage, and substance type interact is an important part of evaluating the strength of the state’s case.

What the Prosecution Must Prove in a Drug DUI

Unlike alcohol DUIs, which have a "Per Se" limit of .08%, there is no universal "limit" for drugs in Tennessee. The presence of a drug in your blood does not automatically make you guilty. To secure a conviction, the Hamilton County District Attorney must prove:

• Actual Impairment: The state must show that the substance deprived you of the "clearness of mind and control" necessary to safely operate a vehicle.
• Causation: The prosecution must link your driving behavior (weaving, slow reactions) directly to the drug in your system, rather than fatigue, illness, or a simple distraction.
• Recent Use: Because many drugs (especially marijuana) stay in the system for days or weeks, we often argue that the presence of a metabolite does not prove you were "under the influence" at the time of the stop.

Penalties for a Drug DUI Conviction in Chattanooga

A DUI with drugs carries the same heavy criminal penalties as an alcohol DUI, but the license implications can be even more restrictive.

First Offense Penalties

• Jail Time: 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days.
• Fines: $350 to $1,500, plus court costs.
• License Revocation: 1 year. Note: While alcohol offenders may get an Ignition Interlock, drug-only offenders may be subject to stricter geographic restrictions on a restricted license.
• Drug Education: Mandatory participation in a court-approved drug safety school.

Aggravating Factors

If you are found with a minor in the car or if the DUI resulted in an accident involving injury, the charges can be elevated to Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide, both of which are serious felonies in Tennessee.

Why Drivers Facing Drugged Driving Charges Turn To Our Firm

When you are deciding who should stand beside you in court, experience and judgment matter. Our partners bring more than 60 years of combined legal practice to the table, including extensive work in criminal defense and civil litigation. 

Attorney Barry L. Abbott has more than three decades in practice, and attorney Joshua P. Weiss has been representing clients for over a decade. That depth of experience helps us understand how different facts, prior records, and substances can change the course of a DUI with drugs case.

Clients also choose our firm because of how we treat them. We provide candid evaluations instead of sugarcoating the situation. We explain the realistic range of outcomes, talk through the risks of different choices, and make sure you understand your options. People who have worked with us have noted that we keep costs manageable and that our rates are reasonable compared with the level of attention they receive.

We make communication a priority. Our attorneys respond in a prompt and timely manner, answer questions thoroughly, and discuss each stage of the process so you know what to expect. One client even described how attorney Weiss checked on them months after the case concluded, which reflects how seriously we take our responsibility to the people we serve.

How Our Attorneys Approach DUI with Drugs Cases

Our attorneys approach drugged driving cases with a detailed, methodical review of both the evidence and the broader impact the charge may have on your life.

• Reviewing the traffic stop and arrest: We examine whether the officer had a lawful reason to stop your vehicle and whether field sobriety tests and the arrest were properly justified and administered.
• Scrutinizing testing procedures: We closely analyze blood and urine testing, including timing, handling, storage, and the reported substances, as well as their known effects and duration in the body.
• Considering medical and prescription factors: When relevant, we evaluate prescription histories or medical explanations that may provide important context for the alleged impairment.
• Exploring defense strategies: We discuss all available options, such as challenging evidence, negotiating a resolution, or preparing for trial, along with potential penalties and collateral consequences.
• Accounting for broader life impacts: We consider how a DUI with drugs charge may affect professional licenses, employment, or immigration status and factor those risks into your defense strategy.
• Maintaining clear communication: Throughout the case, we stay accessible, keep you informed, and answer questions promptly so you understand what is happening at each stage.

Talk With Our Team About Your Drugged Driving Charge

A DUI with drugs arrest can create serious concerns about your record, your license, and your future, but you do not have to face those concerns alone. The attorneys at Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC bring decades of experience in criminal defense and civil litigation, along with recognition from Super Lawyers and other respected publications. We use that background to carefully evaluate your case and to walk you through your options.

When you contact our firm, you can expect honest assessments, realistic expectations, and clear communication. We take the time to understand your goals and to explain how the legal process in this part of Tennessee is likely to unfold. If you are looking for a DUI with drugs attorney in Chattanooga who will treat you with respect and provide grounded guidance, our team is ready to talk with you.

To discuss your drugged driving charge and learn more about how we can help, call (423) 264-2206 or reach out online today to schedule an initial consultation.