Will Medical Marijuana Prescription Save You From a DUI?

Being charged for driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances is a serious crime that may lead to harsh penalties. Due to the increase in DUI accidents all over the nation, it is no wonder that the law enforcement authorities are so determined to put an end to those crimes. Hence, regardless of whether you have committed a felony or even a small misdemeanor DUI crime, you should be prepared for some severe legal actions.

First of all, you risk losing your driver’s license. The arresting officer on the scene will take the license away from you. He will also provide you with a temporary license, which will permit you to drive a car for 30 more days. If you wish to avoid revocation after that period, you will have to initiate an administrative hearing within ten days after the accident.

Furthermore, you will have to pay for all the court fees and high fines from your pocket. Do not forget about the restitution for any damage done. In addition, you might be obliged to attend special alcohol or drug awareness classes, which you will have to pay for out of your pocket as well. Community service is pretty common when it comes to DUI crimes and you will be obliged to spend hundreds of hours performing unpaid labor.

If you will be able to get your driver’s license back, you will still be obliged to get an additional insurance – the SR22. This insurance is designed for high risk drivers and will cost you twice as much as the standard one. An ignition interlock device could be installed in your vehicle to prevent the DUI accidents in the future.

You also risk spending a significant amount of time in jail, which is probably the most frightening perspective of all. However, there are people who have legit medical marijuana permits. These permits make it legal for these individuals to carry around approximately one ounce of marijuana. It is also legal for them to smoke that weed for medical purposes. Very often such individuals insist that having a permit, it makes it legal for them to drive while being under the influence of the drug. It is important to get a clear notion of the situation. First of all, alcohol is absolutely legal all over the nation and you can drink once you hit 21 years. You can drink at home or in a bar with your buddies, and it is perfectly legal (as long as you are not causing any trouble). However, it is illegal to drive your car after drinking alcohol. It is also applies to marijuana – even if you have a permit that will allow you to smoke weed, you can do so in your apartment without breaking any rules or laws. However, if you are caught driving under the influence of medical marijuana, there will be legal consequences, since you endangered the lives of everyone around you on the road

If you were caught with driving under the influence of marijuana, it is very important to get in touch with an experienced DUI attorney. He will have the knowledge and the expertise to help you get the minimal penalty or to get the case dismissed completely. A good Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer is your only chance of dealing with a similar situation properly.

Were you arrested for driving under the influence of medical marijuana? Call us now!