Marijuana DUI charges can have serious consequences. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, a Burbank DUI lawyer can defend you.
Being charged with a marijuana DUI in California is no small matter. Though recreational cannabis is legal in the state, driving under its influence can lead to jail time, fines, and reputational damage.
For decades, Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has been connecting Californians with seasoned DUI attorneys. If you’ve been charged with a marijuana DUI, a Burbank marijuana DUI lawyer can protect your rights and help you fight the charges.
How Can a Burbank Marijuana DUI Attorney Help Me?
If you’re facing marijuana DUI charges, a lawyer can:
- Determine whether the traffic stop was lawful
- Challenge field sobriety tests and other evidence that may not prove marijuana impairment
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges or seek alternative sentencing
A marijuana DUI lawyer in Burbank will give you a fighting chance against aggressive prosecution and help protect your record.
What are the Penalties for a Marijuana DUI in California?
The penalties for a marijuana DUI in California are similar to those for an alcohol-related DUI. For a first-time marijuana DUI, you may face:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000 (not including additional penalty assessments)
- A driver’s license suspension for up to 6 months
- Mandatory enrollment in a DUI education program
Repeat offenses generally lead to harsher consequences, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended license suspensions. A marijuana DUI attorney in Burbank can help minimize the consequences of your arrest.
Common Defenses
Every marijuana DUI case is unique, but there are common defenses that an attorney may use to fight your charges, such as:
- Unlawful stop: If police pulled you over without reasonable suspicion, any evidence they obtained may be thrown out.
- Improper testing procedures: Blood and urine samples must be collected and stored properly, or results can be invalidated.
- No proof of impairment: The presence of THC alone does not prove impairment in a marijuana DUI case.
- Faulty field sobriety tests: These tests are often unreliable and may not accurately reflect marijuana impairment.
A Burbank DUI attorney can develop a winning defense based on the facts of your case.
How Does the Criminal Defense Process Work in a Marijuana DUI Case?
When you are charged with a marijuana DUI in Burbank, the criminal defense process usually involves these steps:
- Arrest and booking: Police will detain you, collect evidence, and possibly perform chemical tests.
- Arraignment: You will appear before a judge, be formally charged, and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the legality of the stop.
- Negotiations: Many cases are resolved before trial through plea deals, reduced charges, or diversion programs.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case may go to trial, where the prosecution must prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt.
A DUI attorney in Burbank can defend your rights at every stage of this process.
What is a Marijuana DUI in California?
A marijuana DUI occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. California Vehicle Code §23152(f) makes it illegal to drive under the influence of drugs, including marijuana.
California law does not set a specific THC limit like the 0.08% BAC standard for alcohol. Instead, prosecutors must rely on observations, chemical tests, and officer testimony to prove impairment. This subjectivity is one reason marijuana DUI charges can be challenged.
How Soon Should I Get a Lawyer After a Marijuana DUI?
The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better. After your arrest, you’ll only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to challenge your license suspension. An attorney can represent you in DMV proceedings, investigate your arrest, and start building your defense right away. Delaying hiring a lawyer will only strengthen the prosecution’s case.
What to Do After a Marijuana DUI Arrest in Burbank
If you’ve been arrested for a marijuana DUI, take these steps to protect your case:
- Stay calm and remain silent: Do not volunteer unnecessary information to law enforcement.
- Request an attorney: Politely assert your right to legal counsel.
- Request a DMV hearing: You must act within 10 days to challenge your license suspension.
- Gather evidence: Write down details about the stop, arrest, and testing procedures.
- Follow up with your lawyer: Provide your attorney with all relevant information about your case so they can build the strongest possible defense.
Get Help From a Marijuana DUI Lawyer in Burbank
A marijuana DUI charge can disrupt your life in many ways. Beyond fines, you could face jail time, a license suspension, and a criminal record. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with an experienced Burbank marijuana DUI attorney who can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, guide you through court and DMV proceedings, and fight to protect your rights.
Call today to learn about how you can contest your charges.





