The six things to do after a marijuana DUI arrest in California include understanding your charges, protecting your license, documenting the incident, avoiding self–incrimination, and speaking with a qualified attorney.
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence of cannabis, your next steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Acting quickly and strategically is key to protecting both your record and your future. Connect with a Los Angeles marijuana DUI lawyer early in the process to help ensure your rights are upheld and your defense is as strong as possible. Legal guidance at this stage also allows you to avoid common mistakes that may hurt your case later on.
1. Understand the Charges Against You
Driving under the influence of drugs—including cannabis—is prohibited in California under Vehicle Code §23152(f). This law makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by any drug, even if it’s legally prescribed or purchased.
Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, there is no universally accepted limit for THC levels. That means law enforcement often bases arrests on observed behavior, field sobriety tests, or drug recognition evaluations, which can be subjective. Knowing this can be key to challenging the basis of the arrest later on.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we help you break down the details of your charge and identify any weaknesses in the case against you.
2. Take Immediate Action to Protect Your License
Many drivers don’t realize that a DUI arrest can lead to automatic license suspension—even before a court date. In California, you have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing. Failing to act within that window may result in your license being suspended by default.
As a resource that connects individuals with DUI defense attorneys, Los Angeles DUI Lawyer ensures you’re aware of this deadline and can help you get connected with an attorney who will file the DMV hearing request on your behalf. This administrative hearing is separate from the criminal process, but it’s a critical opportunity to contest the suspension.
3. Document Everything You Remember
While the details are still fresh in your mind, write down everything you remember about the arrest. This includes:
- The time and location of the stop
- What the officer said or did
- Whether any field sobriety tests or chemical tests were conducted
- Any statements you made during or after the marijuana DUI arrest
This documentation can provide your defense attorney with valuable insights that may not appear in the official police report. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we always recommend being proactive with evidence. A well-documented timeline can strengthen your defense or even lead to reduced charges.
4. Avoid Making Statements Without Legal Advice After Your Marijuana DUI Arrest
After a DUI for weed arrest, you may be tempted to explain your side of the story to officers, friends, or even on social media. This can backfire. Anything you say can potentially be used against you, even outside formal questioning.
We recommend avoiding all commentary on your case until you’ve spoken with an attorney. The legal professionals we connect you with can guide you on what to say—and what not to—throughout every stage of the process.
Whether it’s speaking to law enforcement or navigating DMV procedures, having legal support helps prevent unintentional self-incrimination.
5. Know Why Marijuana DUI Cases Require a Unique Defense
Marijuana DUI charges are legally different from alcohol-related DUIs and often more difficult to prove. Unlike alcohol, there is no per se legal limit for THC in California, which means there’s no clear number that automatically proves impairment. Instead, prosecutors rely on field sobriety tests, officer observations, and results from blood or urine tests—all of which can be highly subjective.
In many cases, law enforcement will call in a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) to evaluate a driver’s behavior, eye movement, and physical signs of impairment.
However, these evaluations are not always reliable and can be challenged in court. Additionally, THC can remain in the bloodstream for days or even weeks after use, making biological test results potentially misleading.
Because of these complexities, marijuana DUI cases require a defense tailored to the unique nature of cannabis impairment. A knowledgeable attorney can scrutinize every step of the arrest process and expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
6. Work With a Los Angeles Marijuana DUI Lawyer
The sooner you involve a DUI defense attorney, the better your chances of preserving important evidence, avoiding license suspension, and getting ahead of any court proceedings. Legal guidance at this stage can help prevent avoidable mistakes and ensure you’re taking advantage of every available defense.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we connect individuals with attorneys who have deep experience handling marijuana DUI cases throughout California.
These legal professionals understand how to challenge unreliable DRE reports, question the validity of toxicology results, and file motions that may lead to evidence being thrown out.
With decades of combined experience, the attorneys in our network have helped thousands of people protect their rights and move forward after a DUI arrest. If you’re facing a marijuana-related DUI charge, we can help you take the next step toward a stronger legal defense.
Get Help From a Los Angeles Marijuana DUI Lawyer Today
Being arrested for a marijuana DUI doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be convicted—but what you do next can influence everything. From DMV deadlines to gathering evidence, there are multiple steps that require attention immediately after a marijuana DUI arrest.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer draws on decades of combined experience to help connect you with criminal defense attorneys who know how to handle marijuana-related DUI charges.
These attorneys have helped thousands of clients across California fight for better outcomes, and they’re ready to advocate on your behalf.
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana, don’t wait. Reach out today to be connected with a DUI attorney who can help protect your future.
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