California has led the nation in cannabis reform. But even though marijuana is legal for adults to use, it’s still illegal to drive under its influence. As a result, when someone decides to get behind the wheel after consuming cannabis, it puts everyone around them at risk.
And if you are caught doing so, you will likely find yourself facing marijuana DUI charges. While it might feel like your life is over, let us reassure you that there’s still hope, especially if you have a South Gate DUI lawyer by your side.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we’ve spent decades pointing thousands of people in the direction of a South Gate marijuana DUI lawyer who can help them with their case. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can give you the resources you need to move forward.
When “Legal” Doesn’t Mean “Safe”
The legalization of recreational marijuana in California often leads people to assume it’s safe to use and drive, but that’s not the truth. While it’s legal to possess and consume cannabis within certain limits, the state draws a hard line when it comes to operating a vehicle while impaired.
Alcohol has a clear 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold, but marijuana impairment is harder to measure. The state relies on observable signs, field sobriety tests, and blood tests to determine impairment. However, there’s no universally agreed-upon THC limit.
This makes marijuana DUIs more complicated for prosecutors, but your marijuana DUI attorney in South Gate can use this favorably to pursue a better outcome in your case.
How Marijuana Impairment Affects Driving
Cannabis affects coordination, depth perception, and time awareness. These are three things that must be intact when driving, especially in a safe manner.
Here’s what else THC can cause you to experience behind the wheel:
- Delayed reaction time, making it harder to brake in time
- Impairied judgment, increasing risky behavior behind the wheel
- Distorted perception of speed and distance
- Reduced level coordination and balance, making steering erratic
California’s Approach to Marijuana DUI Laws
In California, Vehicle Code §23152(f) makes it illegal to drive under the influence of any drug, including cannabis. But because marijuana doesn’t have a clear per se limit the way alcohol does, the process of proving impairment involves a mix of evidence:
- Police observations
- Toxicology reports
- Professional testimonies
For a case to result in a conviction, the prosecution must show that the driver was impaired to the extent that they could not safely operate a vehicle. That can include relying on the following forms of evidence:
- The smell of marijuana inside the car
- Dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes
- Slow or slurred speech
- Erratic driving patterns or delayed reactions
- Positive THC blood test results
Likewise, your marijuana DUI lawyers in South Gate can push back on the claims that you were driving under the influence (DUI) and introduce other forms of evidence that support your stance.
The Gray Area Of Marijuana DUI Testing
Marijuana DUIs are a complicated type of DUI charge in the state of California. Unlike alcohol, there’s no clear legal threshold that defines when someone is too impaired to drive. In fact, THC can remain in your system for days—if not weeks—after your last use.
This means it can be detected long after intoxicating effects have worn off. That also means you could test positive for marijuana even if you weren’t impaired at the time you were stopped or involved in an accident.
This matters because prosecutors often rely on these factors when building their case against you:
- Officer observations
- Field sobriety tests
- Chemical results
However, these methods are far from perfect, and marijuana DUI lawyers in South Gate can analyze every detail of your arrest. They will also look into the testing process to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
From challenging the reliability of THC test results to questioning the legality of the traffic stop, a lawyer can fight to ensure your rights are protected.
Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Today to Find South Gate Marijuana DUI Attorneys Who Can Help
Marijuana-related DUI charges can be confusing and intimidating, especially with how quickly California’s laws are evolving. Even when you didn’t intend to drive impaired, you could still face serious legal consequences that affect both your freedom and your future.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with South Gate marijuana DUI lawyers who understand the nuances of cases like yours. From challenging blood test results to questioning the probable cause for the traffic stop, the right legal counsel will know how to help.
Getting help from an attorney as soon as possible can give you a stronger chance when it comes to protecting your record and moving forward with confidence. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can give you the resources you need.
Fact Checked
