Driving under the influence of marijuana is a serious offense in California, and Orange County is no exception. Even though marijuana is legal for recreational and medicinal use, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis can lead to severe legal consequences. If you’ve been charged with a marijuana-related DUI, it’s important to seek legal representation.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with an Orange County DUI lawyer who can help you fight your charges. An experienced Orange County marijuana DUI lawyer can protect your rights and work hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Understanding Marijuana DUI Laws in California
California law prohibits driving under the influence of any substance, including marijuana, as marijuana impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, there’s no universally accepted legal limit for THC (the psychoactive component in marijuana) in a driver’s system. This makes marijuana DUI cases more complex and often more subjective.
As a result, you’ll need to work with a skilled marijuana DUI lawyer from Orange County to protect your best interests. An attorney can challenge the arresting officer’s conduct, the validity of testing, and the legitimacy of the charges brought against you.
Law enforcement officers may rely on several methods to determine impairment, including:
- Field sobriety tests (FSTs)
- Observations of physical symptoms like red eyes, delayed response times, and erratic behavior
- The presence of marijuana odor in the vehicle
- Blood or urine tests to detect THC levels
While these tests can identify intoxication in some situations, it’s important to note that THC can remain in your system long after its effects have worn off, which means a positive test doesn’t necessarily prove impairment at the time of driving. This is one of many factors an experienced marijuana DUI lawyer in Orange County can use to combat your charges.
Penalties for Marijuana DUI in Orange County
Without the help of an Orange County marijuana DUI attorney, you could face several serious penalties. The penalties for a marijuana DUI conviction in California can be severe and increase with each subsequent offense. They include:
- First offense: A first offense can lead to jail time of up to six months, fines between $390 and $1,000, driver’s license suspension for six months, and a mandatory completion of a DUI education program.
- Second offense: A second offense conviction can result in jail time of 90 days to one year, fines between $390 and $1,000, license suspension for two years, and a mandatory DUI education program.
- Third offense: A third offense conviction can result in jail time of 120 days to one year, fines between $390 and $1,000, license suspension for three years, and a mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
- Fourth or felony offense: A fourth or felony offense conviction can lead to a state prison sentence of 16 months to three years, fines up to $1,000, license suspension for four years with no restricted license option, and the completion of a long-term DUI education program.
A marijuana DUI conviction can also lead to higher insurance rates, a permanent criminal record, and difficulties with employment opportunities.
If you’re facing charges for driving under the influence of marijuana, you need a skilled Orange County marijuana DUI lawyer to protect you from life–altering consequences.
Defenses Against Marijuana DUI Charges
An experienced marijuana DUI attorney in Orange County can use various legal strategies to challenge the evidence against you. Potential defenses include:
- Questioning the legality of the traffic stop
- Challenging the reliability of field sobriety tests
- Disputing the accuracy of blood or urine tests
- Demonstrating that observed physical symptoms were unrelated to impairment
- Arguing that THC presence doesn’t equate to active impairment
Medical marijuana users may also face marijuana DUI charges. That said, having a prescription doesn’t automatically mean you were impaired while driving. Your attorney can present evidence showing responsible use and lack of impairment at the time of arrest.
Why You Need an Orange County Marijuana DUI Lawyer
Dealing with a marijuana DUI case without legal representation can be risky. The laws surrounding marijuana use and DUI charges are confusing, and the stakes are high. An experienced Orange County DUI lawyer can take the following actions to protect your freedom, permanent record, and finances:
- Assess the evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Negotiate plea bargains and alternative sentencing options
- Represent you in court and advocate for your rights
- Advocate on your behalf during administrative hearings and other proceedings
- Consult with expert witnesses to challenge drug test results and impairment assessments
The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense. Delays can lead to lost evidence and weakened cases, so it’s essential to act quickly. Reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today to get connected with an attorney who has what it takes to win your case.
Get Legal Help Today
If you’ve been charged with a marijuana DUI, you’re probably worried about how a conviction could affect your life. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this situation alone.
An experienced Orange County marijuana DUI lawyer can provide the guidance and representation you need to protect your future.
Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today to get connected with a skilled attorney. We’ll help you find a lawyer who can investigate your arrest, gather valuable evidence, and challenge the impaired driving charges you’re facing. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
