Though people have taken advantage of the legal use of marijuana, there are still some that are illegally using it. Marijuana DUIs are just as serious as Alcohol DUIs and a marijuana DUI will get you arrested. After you are arrested and processed, you have the opportunity to bail out of jail and Ajua Bail Bonds can help you do that quickly and discreetly. However, understanding the basics of marijuana DUI is important for everyone who uses marijuana to understands the consequences.
Drunk Driving VS High Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is well publicized as the frequently tragic consequences and harsh legal penalties are well known. Not only punishable in California, but in all 50 states, driving under the influence of marijuana, or a combination of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs for that matter, is illegal. Varying from state to state however are the laws defining what it means to be “under the influence” of marijuana and the punishments.
How Does California Test for Driving While High?
Any amount of marijuana in the driver’s system will inevitably establish that the driver was under the influence in some states. Other states will consider under the influence if the driver has the above concentration levels of a specific blood or urine concentration level. In few states, is a requirement for the persecutor to prove that the driver was under the influence. They do so by pointing out behavior in driving no matter what the amount of marijuana was in the driver’s system. In California, the most common test is a field sobriety test to confirm the policeman’s suspicions. A blood, breath or urine test may also be administered but these are flawed in the sense that they can detect marijuana from weeks ago and not just within the last few hours. A saliva drug swab test faces similar criticism in that there can be traces of marijuana in your system for days after consuming it.
Marijuana DUI Penalties
The driver that is incapable of driving safely due to the effects of marijuana is what it means to be “under the influence” in most states. As the specifics to what constitutes a marijuana DUI varies from the different states, the punishments do as well. Just like alcohol DUI, marijuana DUI can have the following punishments imposed on them if convicted:
– Fines
– Jail or Prison Sentence
– Community Service
– Probation
– House Arrest
– Victim Impact Program Participation
– License Suspension
– Ignition interlock Device Installation
– Drug/Alcohol Abuse Programs
– Vehicle Impoundment or Forfeiture
Most applicable penalties severity depend on the individual case and the various circumstances, such as if it was the first time offence and aggravating factors can easily influence increased in penalties. Such aggravating factors include the following examples:
1) Subsequent and second offenses.
2) Having a minor in the vehicle at the time of the DUI, which is often referenced as child endangerment.
3) Defendant is a minor.
4) Having a suspended license at the time of the Marijuana DUI.
5) Driving a school bus while under the influence.
6) Causing an accident or inflicting property damage, bodily injury, or death from driving under the influence of marijuana.
7) Driving with elevated marijuana content levels and/or with alcohol or other drug content levels.
Bail Bond Services in Selma & Fresno County, Atwater & Merced, Visalia & Tulare, Hanford & Kings, Madera County and the Central Valley of California
After you have been arrested and bailed out of jail by Ajua Bail Bonds, it is important that you contact a defense lawyer that can help you prove your innocence or minimize your punishment. If you or a loved one has been arrested of a marijuana DUI, call Ajua Bail Bonds to get bailed out of jail as quickly as possible.
