In some ways, it is the job of a criminal defense attorney to be a conduit to hope. An attorney can in many situations help a person who needs drug treatment rather than prison; counseling and rehabilitation rather than incarceration. Because Arizona has tough drug laws and harsh penalties for those who are impaired by drugs while driving, it can take a knowledgeable, skilled criminal defense lawyer to make a real difference in many situations.
Take the case of a 29-year-old woman arrested about three hours southeast of Phoenix. The young mother was reportedly driving erratically, so she was pulled over by Safford police.
The officer reported noticing several things upon approaching the vehicle: a young child in a safety seat in the back, and behind the steering wheel, the 29-year-old had puncture marks on her arms and neck. The marks indicated to the officer IV drug use by the young mother.
Eventually, the child was released to the custody of the father. The mom was taken into custody by police after a urine test indicated she had heroin and methamphetamine in her system. She said she began taking heroin to supplement pain-killers she’d become addicted to after suffering an injury in a car accident.
She reportedly told an officer that she shoots up a gram of heroin per day in addition to taking the prescribed pain-reliever.
She was arrested on aggravated DUI and drug-related charges.
Clearly, she is in a difficult legal dilemma and personal situation. Her statements to police could well be damaging in court and her addiction problems could well cause future legal problems and serious family issues as well.
For people in similar situations, a conversation with an experienced Glendale DUI drugs lawyer can help them understand their legal options as they begin to sort out substance abuse treatment plans. Working with a skilled attorney experienced in negotiating favorable results with prosecutors can help a client set a realistic course for rehab and then rejoining family and restarting life.