In Pennsylvania, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) of a controlled substance does not require proof of the identity of the drug, chemical testing, or the presence of paraphernalia. A recent decision by a Pennsylvania court demonstrates this principle, affirming a DUI conviction based solely on officers’ observations, field sobriety testing, and the defendant’s refusal to submit to a blood test. If you are charged with DUI involving controlled substances, it is crucial to understand that circumstantial evidence alone may suffice for a conviction, and you should promptly consult with a Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney.
Facts and Procedural History
It is reported that the defendant was pulled over by Pennsylvania State Troopers in the early hours of the morning for driving without headlights and weaving into oncoming traffic. The stop occurred in Bucks County near a Wawa parking lot, where the defendant eventually complied after initially failing to stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, troopers allegedly observed signs of impairment, including jittery behavior, glassy and bloodshot eyes, and delayed pupillary response. The defendant’s speech was described as overly talkative and tangential, and his responses to questions were rambling and inconsistent.
It is alleged that after obtaining the defendant’s documentation and conferring about their observations, the troopers asked him to exit the vehicle. The defendant refused repeatedly for several minutes before eventually complying. At that point, based on his demeanor and physical indicators, the troopers suspected impairment by a controlled substance and conducted field sobriety testing. According to the officers, the defendant showed multiple signs of impairment during the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand tests. He stepped off the line, missed heel-to-toe contact, swayed, and used his arms for balance. Continue reading