One of the seven mistakes to avoid if you’re facing marijuana DUI charges is treating the situation lightly. Even though cannabis is legal in California, driving under its influence is a criminal offense that can carry serious consequences.
Marijuana DUIs are prosecuted aggressively across Los Angeles. From license suspension and fines to the potential for jail time, the penalties can disrupt your life in lasting ways. In addition to legal penalties, a conviction can impact job opportunities, your ability to travel, and even child custody arrangements.
Knowing what not to do after an arrest can be just as important as understanding your rights. Connecting with a Los Angeles marijuana DUI lawyer can help.
1. Underestimating the Seriousness of the Charges
Drug-impaired driving is just as serious as an alcohol-related DUI in California. Many people assume otherwise, but this mistake can cost them in court.
The penalties often include:
- A criminal record
- Driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory DUI education
- Financial penalties
- Possible jail time
Because marijuana-related impairment is measured differently from alcohol, the prosecution often relies on subjective officer observations. That means the right legal defense can make a significant difference in the outcome.
2. Volunteering Information to Police
It’s common for people to admit to marijuana use during a traffic stop in an attempt to appear honest. Saying things like “I smoked earlier” or “I have a prescription” can quickly escalate the situation.
Officers may treat any admission as evidence of impairment, even if no signs of intoxication are present. This can lead to DUI charges based largely on your own statements rather than physical proof. Remaining polite but silent is the safest approach until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
3. Trusting Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are often unreliable indicators of marijuana impairment. They were originally developed for alcohol detection and can be affected by anxiety, medical conditions, or fatigue.
If you agree to these tests, the results can be interpreted as signs of intoxication, even when you’re sober. Many people don’t realize that they are not legally required to take field sobriety tests in California. Refusing them can limit the amount of evidence used against you.
4. Assuming a Positive Blood Test Proves Guilt
Chemical testing for marijuana typically involves a blood sample, but these tests only show the presence of THC, not whether you were actually impaired at the time of driving. THC can remain in your system long after the effects have worn off, especially for regular users.
This is a major area of dispute in marijuana DUI cases. Some people may test positive for THC days after use and still be charged with impaired driving. Attorneys connected through Los Angeles DUI Lawyer regularly challenge the timing, reliability, and interpretation of these results. A strong defense may argue that your THC levels were unrelated to any actual impairment.
5. Talking Without Legal Representation
After an arrest, officers may continue asking questions in hopes of gathering more evidence. Many people believe they can explain their way out of the situation, but this often backfires.
Statements made during or after an arrest are rarely helpful and may be used to support the prosecution’s case. Protecting yourself starts with staying silent and contacting a defense attorney as soon as possible. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with legal counsel prepared to handle these cases.
6. Missing the DMV Deadline
A DUI arrest doesn’t just lead to criminal charges; it also triggers a separate administrative process with the California DMV. If you don’t request a hearing within 10 days of the arrest, your license may be automatically suspended.
This hearing is a critical opportunity to challenge the suspension and protect your driving privileges. Attorneys who work with Los Angeles DUI Lawyer are familiar with DMV procedures and can represent clients at these early stages, often before the court case even begins.
7. Delaying Action or Trying to Handle It Alone
Marijuana DUI cases can move quickly, and waiting too long to respond may limit your options. Deadlines pass, evidence may be lost, and your defense strategy may be weakened.
Experienced attorneys bring several advantages:
- They understand how prosecutors approach these cases.
- They know how to challenge unreliable or misleading evidence.
- They can negotiate for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing.
With decades of combined experience and thousands of clients served, the attorneys available through Los Angeles DUI Lawyer know how to protect your rights and build an effective defense.
Get Legal Help Today
If you’ve been arrested for a marijuana DUI in Los Angeles, getting legal support quickly can make a significant difference. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we’ve been helping individuals deal with these charges for over 19 years.
Our network includes attorneys who focus exclusively on DUI criminal defense and understand the nuances of marijuana-related cases. By acting early, we can help you protect your license, challenge the charges, and avoid long-term consequences on your record.
Don’t face this process alone or wait until it’s too late. Contact us today, and we’ll connect you with a qualified DUI attorney who can begin building your defense right away.
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