Drugs & DUI Charges
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)
Although the majority of Long Beach DUI arrests involve alcohol, drugs are also a definite factor in driving under the influence cases throughout Southern California. California's drunk driving laws cover an individual driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Though one may assume this only refers to illegal drugs, "drugs" may also cover prescription drugs and even over-the-counter medicines that could impair the mental and/or physical abilities of a driver.
Defending a DUI of drugs case is slightly different than defending a DUI case involving alcohol. Your DUI attorney should be very familiar with the testing involved in a DUI of drugs case. For example, as there is no "legal limit" in a DUID case, field sobriety tests will play a bigger role in proving the impairment of the driver. Chemical tests (usually a blood or urine test) may show the presence of drugs, but field sobriety tests will be called upon to prove actual impairment.
What are the penalties for DUID?
In most cases, a first DUID offense is a misdemeanor that is punishable with the following:
- Probation: 3 to 5 Years
- Fines: $390 to $1,000
- Imprisonment: Maximum of 6 Months
- California DUI School
- License Suspension: 6 to 10 Months
Potential Defenses for DUID Cases
It, however, is important to remember that just because you have been arrested does not mean that you will be arrested. In fact, with the help of an aggressive lawyer, you can take the necessary steps toward protecting your future with defense strategies that are tailored to you.
Just some of the defenses that can be utilized include the following:
- You had drugs in your system but were not "under the influence"
- You had other factors (ex: fatigue) that mimicked symptoms of impairment
- Your blood / urine samples were not properly collected, stored, or analyzed
Long Beach Drugged Driving Defense
Using their unique knowledge of and experience with driving under the influence of drugs charges, Gold & Witham is qualified to represent a driver who has been arrested for DUID. In fact, our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined legal experience, including experience in handling DUI of drugs charges, as well as a number of other complex drunk driving charges. Consult an attorney at our firm to find out how we may be able to help you with your charges. During a free initial consultation, we can determine exactly what services we can provide.
