DUI Drug Recognition Experts (DREs): What They Are and Why They Matter in DUI-Drugs Cases

When most folks think of a DUI arrest, they automatically think about a breath test for alcohol. However, in the State of Georgia, a DUI case may involve drugs, whether it be a prescription, an illegal substance, or a mixture of both drugs and alcohol. In some cases, a Drug Recognition Expert or DRE may be used by law enforcement to help construct a case.

If you are charged with driving under the influence of drugs, it is important to know what a DRE is and what their evaluation can and cannot prove in your case. 

What is a drug recognition expert (DRE)? 

A Drug Recognition Expert, also known as a DRE, is a police officer who has purportedly been trained in the additional skill of recognizing the signs of drug impairment. While in DUI cases involving alcohol, a breath test can produce a specific number for the driver’s BAC, this may not be as easy to quantify in drug-related DUIs.

The DREs are trained to observe a motorist’s actions, as well as his or her symptoms, to reach a conclusion about whether the motorist is under the influence of drugs, as well as what type of drugs.

How do DRE evaluations work?

Many cases of DUI-drugs follow a specific procedure in a DRE assessment. Though no two cases are alike, DRE assessments can include:

• Interviewing the police officer who arrested the defendant to find out what occurred during the stop
• Noticing the appearance and behavior of the driver (facial features, speech, coordination, confusion)
• Taking vital signs like pulse rate and blood pressure
• Eye examinations, including pupil size and reactions to light
• Divided attention tests
• Searching for physical signs, such as tremors, sweating, or dry mouth
• Asking about medical history and recent substance abuse
• Requesting a chemical test, such as blood or urine, for confirmation of the presence of a drug

At the end of the procedure, the DRE usually prepares a report as well as testifying in court.

Why DRE evidence matters in DUI-drugs cases

In DUI-drugs cases, the prosecution may have to prove that you were impaired to the point that you were not safe to drive. If there is no BAC measurement, the prosecution can rely heavily on the following:

• The findings and conclusions of the DRE
• Body-worn cameras and officer reports
• Performance on field sobriety tests
• Laboratory results from blood or urine samples

Since the testimony of DREs can “sound scientific” to the judge or jury, their opinions may be accorded substantial weight, even though they are merely observations and interpretations. 

Talk to a Cobb County, GA, DUI Attorney Today 

Andrew L. Schwartz, P.C., represents the interests of Cobb County residents who are facing DUI charges. Call our Cobb County DUI lawyer today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.