CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles DUI of Drugs

The Consequences of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, commonly known as DUI or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), is an offense that can result in severe consequences, including fines, probation, a suspended driver’s license, and jail time. However, alcohol is not the only substance that can impair an individual’s ability to drive. Driving under the influence of drugs, commonly referred to as a DUID offense, is increasingly becoming a prevalent problem in society.

What is a Drug According to DUID Laws?

The definition of drugs under DUID laws can be quite loose, even including medically-prescribed marijuana in some states. In essence, any substance that can influence your brain, nervous system, or muscles, can be classified as a drug. Illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or even marijuana, as well as prescription drugs like opioids, can impair the ability to operate a car safely. Over-the-counter drugs like cough syrups, sleep aids, and antihistamines can also cause drowsiness, and their consumption before driving could lead to a DUID charge. Essentially, if the substance consumed affects your nervous system, making it impossible to drive like a sober individual, it could trigger a DUID charge.

DUID Penalties in California

Being charged with a DUID offense in California can have significant consequences. Typically, the penalties for a DUID are usually the same as those for DUI offenses. When charged as a misdemeanor, penalties can include fines, probation for up to five years, a suspended driver’s license, and in some cases, a possible jail term, depending on previous records, or location of arrest. For a fourth-time offender or those with a prior felony DUI conviction or an accident causing injury or death, DUID felonies could result in much harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.

Defending a DUID Charge

Facing a DUID charge can lead to a permanent arrest record that can negatively impact your life now and in the future. It is essential to seek the legal advice of an expert DUID attorney to help you through the process. There are many defenses that a legal team may take to help you through a DUID conviction.

One possible defense could be that the substance did not impair your ability to drive, but a physical condition such as exhaustion or anxiety was the root cause. Another potential defense could be challenging the samples taken during testing or claiming that the samples did not comply with California’s Title 17 procedures.

In reality, defending a DUID case can be challenging, but with the right legal team, you have a chance to minimize the impact the offense will have on your life. Thus, it is crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible to give your legal team ample time to create an effective defense.

Why Choose Us

If you are facing a DUID charge in California, our law firm has experienced DUID lawyers who will help you build a solid defense. We understand language used in DUID laws, understand the complexities of analyzing lab results, and are aware of the potential defenses available to a client.

Our team of legal professionals will review all the details of the incident, identify evidence to reinforce your defense, and provide exceptional legal representation to help you through this critical time. We are adept at negotiating favorable plea deals or defending charges in court, so you know your case will be in good hands. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and take the first step in building your defense.