Idaho Criminal Defense and DUI Defense Blog

Drug Recognition "Experts"

Posted by William Young | Sep 05, 2017 | 0 Comments

Idaho DUI Defense Attorneys
DUI Defenses | "DREs" | Idaho DUI Lawyers

Idaho Drug Recognition Experts

Do not plead guilty to a DUI just because a "Drug Recognition Expert" says you were impaired. A Drug Recognition Expert relies heavily on assumptions and judgment calls. These assumptions are frequently not based on fact, which means they could lead to the arrest of a completely innocent individual. With the help of an experienced DUI attorney, you can effectively fight these charges!

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a law enforcement officer trained to identify people whose driving is impaired by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. The 12 step procedure they follow is called a Drug Influence Evaluation (DIE), to determine which category of drugs is causing the driver to be impaired.

If a DRE determines that a driver is impaired, they will look for indications of the drugs by the common perceivable effects the drugs have on the human body. There are seven categories of classifications a DRE is looking for, including: Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants, CNS Stimulants, Dissociative Anesthetics, Cannabis, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, and Narcotics.

A DIE involves the following 12 steps (for a detailed description: IACP.org)

  1. Breath Alcohol Test: If the arresting officer reviews breath alcohol test and determines it does not explain the level of impairment they are perceiving, the officer requests a DRE evaluation.
  2. Interview of the Arresting Officer
  3. Preliminary Examination and First Pulse
  4. Eye Examinations
  5. Divided Attention Psychophysical Tests
  6. Vital Signs and Second Pulse
  7. Dark Room Examinations
  8. Examination for Muscle Tone
  9. Check for Injection Sites and Third Pulse
  10. Subject's Statements and Other Observations
  11. Analysis and Opinions of the Evaluator
  12. Toxicological Examination : After completing the evaluation, the DRE normally requests a urine, blood and/or saliva sample from the subject for a toxicology lab analysis.

Truthfully, the "expert" part of Drug Recognition Expert is a misnomer, these are people who are trained to fill out a chart based upon what they see. The chart is supposed to tell them what substance is present. 

The Drug Influence Evaluation is a guess!

It is subjective and easily manipulated. Drug Recognition Experts are not doctors, they have not nurses - in fact, they have little to no medical training at all. The DIE is nowhere near 100% accurate and there are many ways to challenge the DRE's testimony.

Idaho Criminal Law | DUI Defense
Free Consultation

About the Author

William Young

William Young - Idaho Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, and Trial Attorney

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Idaho's Premier Criminal Defense and DUI Attorneys

We are committed to providing every client with the respect and compassion they deserve. We work one-on-one with our clients to provide them with the best possible defense. Let us help you. Boise DUI AttorneysBoise Criminal Defense

We Provide Free Criminal Defense And DUI Consultations

Each case is unique. The strength and weakness of your case will depend on the particular facts of your case. Contact us to discuss your case. We will give you an honest assessment.
Idaho DUI LawyersIdaho Criminal Law Firm

Office Location

Schofield and Young
1109 W. Main St. Suite 600
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 344-0128