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Drug Metabolite DUI

Drug Metabolites

Metabolite DUI Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ

Koplow Law Firm - Drug Metabolites Attorney in Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ

If you have consumed a drug or medication it will likely stay in your system well beyond the time its effects have past. After a drug is consumed, and metabolized, what remains is called a metabolite. Some metabolites can cause impairment – others cannot. Similarly, some metabolites can be the basis for a DUI charge – others cannot. 

Metabolism is a process of chemical reactions in the body that changes substances in the body so that they can be eliminated more easily. A metabolite results from this process.

What Is a Metabolite DUI?

Arizona’s DUI statute is A.R.S. 28-1381. Within that law is the prohibition of driving with the metabolite of a prohibited drug in your system. This is true regardless of the drug’s effect on your body. However, there are some limitations. In particular, the inactive metabolite of marijuana (carboxy-THC). For example - 

The metabolite of THC is Hydroxy-THC. Like THC, Hydroxy-THC it is also capable of causing impairment. It is a violation of law to have it your system without a valid medical card.

Carboxy-THC is the metabolite of Hydroxy. This drug is two steps removed from the THC and not capable of causing impairment. Accordingly, it is not illegal to have it in your blood.

What Is a DUI Controlled Substance Metabolite?

The drugs and medication prohibited (many of which are controlled substances) are defined in A.R.S. 13-3401.

State v. Boyd, 201 Ariz. 27, 31 P.3d 140 (App. 2001)

In cases where a driver ingests a legal substance which through a bodily process unknown to a person of average intelligence and common experience, that substance is transformed into a prohibited substance, the driver is not liable under A.R.S. § 13-1381(A)(3).

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Need Help?

Contact Our Experienced Drug Metabolite Attorney in Phoenix, AX

Arizona DUI law is extremely complicated and has severe consequences. DUI law is commonly referred to as a minefield. An attorney must be competent in the Arizona Rules of “Criminal” Procedure, the Arizona Rules of Evidence, the United States and Arizona Constitutions, and the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles Rules and Regulations.

An attorney cannot do anything for you unless he or she has extensive experience in these areas.  Police officers are only human and do commit legal errors.  However, only an experienced DUI attorney will be able to find these errors and use them to help his or her client.

You should choose an experienced DUI attorney for the same reason you should choose a qualified doctor. If you break your wrist, you go to a doctor that specializes in wrist injuries. When you are charged with a DUI, you should hire a qualified DUI attorney.

An experienced Arizona Metabolite DUI attorney can analyze your case for legal errors and defenses. He or she can have blood samples independently analyzed, look for suppression issues, review calibration / COBRA records of breath machines, find the right expert witnesses for your trial, and assist you with your driver’s license issues.

For more information about metabolite DUI's, call our office at (602) 560-7837 or visit our contact page.

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Testimonials and Reviews

At The Koplow Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Great trial attorney."

    Lawrence is tenacious, relentless, and extremely passionate about his clients and their cases. He leaves no stone unturned in his investigations, and his cross examinations are grueling. His knowledge of the science of DUI's and the testing procedures is unsurpassed. Great trial attorney.

    - Jesse S.
    "Unquestionably one of the top DUI/ criminal defense attorneys in Arizona."
    As a practicing attorney in DUI and criminal defense, and as a former prosecutor who went against Lawrence on several cases, I can attest that the State knows they will have their hands full when Lawrence is on the case.
    - Ryan M.
    "You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."

    Great attorney! Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.

    - Charity C.
    "No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does."
    Lawrence is the best lawyer I have ever met. If your career is on the line then he is the guy. No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does. I will be forever grateful!
    - Greg S.
    "It was miracle!"

    It was miracle!... A lot of people don't really understand the benefit of having an attorney who used to be a prosecutor. They know all the little tricks and scare tactics the state has as opposed to just hiring an attorney who is a little fish in a big pond.

    - Joe C.
    "One of the best."
    Lawrence Koplow is one of the best DUI and vehicular defense attorneys in the state of Arizona. Anyone would be extremely fortunate to have him as their advocate.
    - Jack L.
    "You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."
    Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.
    - Charity C.
    "Nobody knows the court and laws better than him."
    Lawrence represents very high-profile clients who greatly depend on a good outcome, and this guy will deliver. This is a prosecutors' worse nightmare, and it should be that way if you need an attorney.
    - David E.

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