MADD question

kgmoody

When police pull over someone they use s breathalyzer to determine their level of intoxication.
What are they doing in states where marijuana is legal?

shenry111

At the core of every stop is what they call the Standardized Field Sobriety Test, or SFST. There is a 12-point check that is involved with this process. The "talk" is that if it moves like a drunk, acts like a drunk, but blows less than .08 Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), then there are probably drugs on board. This can be WAY more than marijuana. In the case of our children, the impaired driver had three forms of anti-depressants on board. Although these were prescribed, they would never be prescribed to use together, or with alcohol. Also, you might be prescribed to take ONE pill a day, not seven! Just examples.

During the SFST if drugs are suspected of being on board, they can get a warrant to draw blood. Also, if available, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is brought to the scene, or the impaired driver is taken to a station for further testing. Marijuana, the active THC component exits the body quickly. It is important to test that early in the process if suspected of being on board.

In almost every case where a driver gets a DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs), there is alcohol present.

The SFST can catch Marijuana very effectively.

Great question! I'll answer more if there are more questions.

Off right now to the MADD walk! Thank you for caring enough to ask this question. This is what Connie and I were in meetings for last week.

podkey

I know a lady who pulled iñto a quiet parking .lot because her restless leg prescription medecine kicked in too soon. Normally took over an hour at bedtime so took it before short drive to home in forested hills.
Officer spotted lone car in parking lot and took her to jail. She plead not guilty to DUII a year later (mistake) and spent one week in jail. Had she accepted the officer's opinion and plead guilty she would have taken class and minor licence probation. No other offences and parked at the time.

She told officer wny she was parked. No drug testing done.

Keep up the good work.

DocSkippy

Wow Bob, that terrible.

kgmoody

Thanks for the answer
Bob that is terrible.