Implied Consent Laws in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Cases

Many states have an implied consent law that essentially provides that a person that drives a motor vehicle is deemed to have given consent to chemical testing of his or her blood or urine for the purpose of determining the drug content of the motorist's blood if the motorist is lawfully arrested. The implied consent laws generally penalize a motorist with license suspension or other sanctions if the motorist refuses to provide a sample of blood or urine for testing. However, some states, such as New Jersey, do not have an implied consent law for testing for drugs. Some states provide for testing, but do not provide for the taking of multiple samples.

Criminal Offense of Driving without a Valid Driver's License

It is illegal to drive a vehicle on a street or highway without a valid driver's license. The right to drive an automobile on public roads is a privilege and not a right. The right to operate a motor vehicle is granted by the state, and its use depends upon the motorist complying with the conditions prescribed in granting the license.

Warrantless Searches of Automobile Compartments

The law of search and seizure is guided by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment, which protects individuals from unwarranted invasions of their privacy interests, requires that searches of private property be performed pursuant to a search warrant. Over time, however, the United States Supreme Court has allowed an exception for warrantless searches of automobiles. The justification for the exception is based upon the mobility of automobiles and the diminished expectation of privacy in automobiles.

DUI School

In an effort to attack the problem of drunken driving, most drunk driving legislation currently provides a combination of punishment and treatment. Consequently, offenders charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) are sentenced to probation rather than incarceration. As part of their probationary conditions, DWI/DUI offenders are often directed to participate in a driver education program, commonly referred to as "DUI schools," which incorporate alcohol rehabilitation and education programs.

Criminal Offense of Failure to Use/Improper Use of Turn Signals, Headlights, and Emergency Flashers

In the exercise of its police power, a state may establish minimum equipment and usage standards for lighting equipment of motor vehicles, including headlamps, rear lighting, turn signals, and hazard warning lights.