CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles DUI of Drugs

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in California: What You Need to Know

When most people think about driving under the influence (DUI) charges, they usually think of offenses related to alcohol. However, with the increasing availability of recreational and prescription drugs, DUI of drugs charges have become more prevalent in Los Angeles. If you are facing charges for driving under the influence of drugs, it is vital to enlist the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the science and legal grounds behind these cases.

California Vehicle Code §23152: Outlining DUI Convictions

In California, the grounds for a DUI conviction are described in California Vehicle Code §23152. While the law establishes a ban against driving under the influence of alcohol in subsections (a) and (b), criminalizing anyone who drives a vehicle in the state while under the influence of alcohol or has a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, subsections (c) and (d) prohibit driving by individuals addicted to drugs and those with a BAC of 0.04 or higher for commercial drivers, respectively.

2014 Revision to CVC §23152: New Subsections (e) and (f)

In 2014, the state of California revised CVC §23152 by adding subsections (e) and (f) that discuss DUI of drugs. Under subsection (e), the law explicitly forbids anyone from driving a vehicle in California while under the influence of any drug. Meanwhile, subsection (f) makes it illegal to drive while under the influence of both drugs and alcohol.

Notably, the law is unclear regarding the amounts and types of drugs that can lead to DUID charges, as no specific conditions are set forth by the statute. Consequently, a prosecuting attorney has only to prove that a defendant had drugs of any amount present in their system to obtain a conviction for DUID. This means that some individuals may face DUID offenses, despite traces of drugs remaining in their blood or urine, without any impairment to their driving abilities; for example, if someone tested positive for marijuana use after driving with no effects on their driving ability.

Why Seeking Experienced Legal Help is Vital

Facing allegations of driving under the influence of drugs can be daunting. Consequently, consulting an attorney who specializes in these allegations may provide comfort, reassurance, and vital insight into what to expect. An attorney can evaluate the probable outcome based on the details of your case, including how the arrest and testing were conducted and what warranted the request to perform the testing.

An attorney experienced in defending against allegations of driving under the influence of drugs will have expertise in the relevant case law and statutory law, and help you identify the approach for your defense based on your case’s specific circumstances.

Given the law’s vagueness involving driving under the influence of drugs, legal help is recommended. Our knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorneys know both the statutory and case law, and have professional working relationships with court clerks, judges, and prosecutors. Our attorneys can help identify the approach for defending against the allegations while providing an honest and realistic assessment of the prosecution’s case against you.

It is essential to understand that convictions for the DUID in Los Angeles can occur, even if you were only taking legally prescribed medications. Consulting an attorney knowledgeable about DUI of drugs in Los Angeles is crucial in providing an honest review of your case, advising you on how to deal with the charges, and providing an honest and thorough defense for you.

Contact Us for Experienced Representation in Los Angeles

Our firm specializes in defending our clients against allegations of driving under the influence of drugs. Our attorneys have substantial expertise in navigating the complexities of these cases and employ a thorough approach to evaluating the evidence before formulating a strategic defense. By contacting us today, you will be taking the first step toward securing a strong defense and the possible outcome for your case.