When you decide to go out for a night on the town, there is always the risk that you could be drugged unexpectedly. That’s one reason why there are so many educational pieces about watching your drinks or being sure not to leave them unattended even for a second.
The unfortunate part of the potential for being drugged is not only that you could be very ill or taken advantage of. It also means that you could end up facing a charge for operating your vehicle under the influence, even though you didn’t know you were impaired.
Imagine a scenario in which someone starts to feel unwell at the bar. They may not have realized that someone slipped drugs into their food or drinks. In a best-case scenario, a friend may take them home or take them to the hospital. In others, the individual may be able to get to their vehicle or to a safe location.
Unfortunately, if someone who has been drugged is able to get into their vehicle and drive, they could put their own life, as well as others’ lives, at risk. If you are impaired, even if you don’t know it, then an officer could pull you over and arrest you for an OUI.
What should you do if you were drugged and now have an OUI charge to face?
Situations like this happen more often than you may think, so it is a good idea to talk to your attorney as soon as you can. If you can show that you were in the bar, have witnesses who say that you weren’t feeling well or even can have bloodwork show that you had certain drugs in your system, then you may have a better chance of defending yourself.
It’s unfair for anyone to face charges for something they did not intend to do, so it’s important for you to fight back against those claims and to explain what really did happen to the best of your ability. Your attorney will help to protect your rights and work toward a resolution you agree with.