DUI vs. Drug DUI: Key Differences Parents Should Understand

Many parents are familiar with alcohol-based DUI laws but are unaware that Pennsylvania aggressively prosecutes drug-related DUI cases. These cases differ significantly in proof and defense strategy.

What Is a Drug DUI?

A drug DUI may involve:

Illegal drugs
Prescription medications
Combination of substances

Unlike alcohol DUIs, impairment thresholds are less defined.

Testing and Evidence Challenges

Drug DUI cases often rely on:

Blood tests
Officer observations
Drug recognition expert opinions

These forms of evidence are more subjective and frequently contested.

Why Drug DUI Cases Are Not “Easier”

Although chemical thresholds can be unclear at times, penalties can be severe, and misunderstandings about prescription use are common.

About Frank Walker Law

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.