Have you ever wondered how law enforcement knows if your DWI is from drugs? It can appear differently from alcohol intoxication and there are tests administered by police to help determine if drugs are involved. Additionally, dash and body cam footage may be reviewed as part of the investigation. If you are arrested for a DWI in Brooklyn, you should know what to do next.

Drug Impairment Appears Differently From Alcohol Intoxication 

Contrary to popular belief, drug impairment appears differently from alcohol intoxication to the trained eye. Whereas alcohol intoxication typically leads to slurred speech and impaired coordination, drug intoxication may cause dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, or aggressive behavior.

These symptoms may be observed by law enforcement officers during a traffic stop. For instance, if an officer notices that a driver has dilated pupils or is swaying back and forth, this may be an indication that the driver is under the influence of drugs rather than alcohol.

Tests Administered By Police 

There are several tests that police officers can administer to determine if a driver is impaired by drugs. A field sobriety test is a group of physical tests that assess a driver’s balance and coordination. These are not always accurate but can give officers a general idea of impairment.

While a breath test only measures the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream and is not effective in detecting drugs, a blood or urine test may be done to assess the presence of drugs in someone’s system.

Dash & Body Cam Footage

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of dash and body cams by law enforcement officials. The footage from these devices can be incredibly helpful in proving impairment by drugs in court. 

A driver who is under the influence of drugs may swerve in and out of their lane, drive at excessively high or low speeds, or make sudden stops. Or, they may be seen tossing drugs out of their window before the stop. Because BAC tests aren’t available for drug stops, dash and body cam footage are usually an officer’s go-to for proving impairment. 

What To Do After a Brooklyn DWI Arrest

After you are arrested for DWI in Brooklyn, the first thing you should do is remain calm and be cooperative with the police officers. You should exercise your right to remain silent if you are arrested for drinking and driving and contact Mark Cossuto for a consultation at (718) 852-8047 or toll free (800) 609-4545.