Driving High: What Happens if I Get a Marijuana DUI?
March 15, 2022
In the state of Missouri, the recreational use of marijuana is illegal. Likewise, a person may be arrested and charged for driving while under the influence of marijuana. If convicted, the defendant could be facing far-reaching consequences, including massive fines, imprisonment, suspension of their driver's license, and a criminal record. A skilled Missouri criminal defense attorney can enlighten you about the consequences of a marijuana DUI and help strategize your defense.
At Walker Law LLC, I am committed to providing comprehensive legal guidance and aggressive representation to clients facing marijuana DUI charges. As your legal counsel, I can fight aggressively to defend your rights, dispute the allegations against you with substantial evidence, and help keep your driving record as clean as possible. My firm proudly serves clients in Chesterfield, Town and Country, Cottleville, and throughout St. Louis County and St. Charles County, Missouri.
Missouri Marijuana Law
Under Missouri law, medical marijuana is legal for registered patients only. Amendment 2 to legalize medical marijuana was approved in 2018. However, it remains illegal to possess any amount of marijuana. Likewise, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. You could be facing misdemeanor or felony charges for marijuana possession, depending on the quantity.
Marijuana DUID in Missouri
In Missouri, driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is an offense. Any type of drug that can impair your ability to drive – including over-the-counter, prescription, marijuana, or other controlled substances – may result in a DUID arrest or charge.
What Is Considered "Under the Influence"?
A person is deemed to be "under the influence" of marijuana when:
He or she consumes marijuana.
The person's physical or mental abilities are really impaired.
The person is unable to operate a car with the caution of a sober person.
In a marijuana DUI, there are no legal limits. Unlike alcohol, no chemical tests can accurately measure the amount of marijuana in the body or body. During the trial, the prosecutor will have an uphill battle to prove the marijuana DUI offense without the benefit of a presumptive level. The judge or jury will have to decide whether the defendant was driving under the influence of marijuana. An experienced defense attorney can present your case diligently and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.
Possible Penalties
The possible penalties for a marijuana DUI offense in the state of Missouri include:
Massive fines
Jail time
License suspension or revocation
Compulsory community service
Mandatory ignition interlock device
Vehicle impoundment or forfeiture
Other consequences include:
A criminal record/history
Increased auto insurance premiums
Loss of scholarships or university acceptance
Increased difficulty in securing employment and housing
Increased difficulty in government assistance or public benefits
Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans
Loss of your rights to possess, purchase, or carry firearms
Deterioration of professional relationships
If you or someone you know has recently been charged with a marijuana DUI, you need to hire an experienced DWI defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer can investigate all of the facts of your case thoroughly and outline a strong defense strategy to help you avoid the devastating consequences of a criminal conviction.
Legal Defenses
Some possible defenses against a marijuana DUI charge in Missouri include:
Driving wasn't impaired by drugs
The arrest was made unlawfully
Arresting officers failed to follow due diligence
A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can evaluate your unique situation and determine the best defenses to fight your charges.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help You
Trying to defend your marijuana DUI accusations without experienced representation could increase your chances of getting convicted and suffering the maximum punishment. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction could jeopardize your liberty, driving privileges, quality of life, and future opportunities. Therefore, when facing marijuana DUI charges, you need to act quickly and retain an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and help build your defense.
At Walker Law LLC, I have the skills, diligence, and resources to represent and defend individuals who have been accused of driving under the influence of marijuana. As your legal counsel, I can investigate all of the facts of your unique situation and strategize a strong defense to help fight your charges. Using my in-depth legal understanding, I can guide you through the Missouri criminal justice system and make sure you're given fair treatment in every phase of the legal process. Having me on your side can improve your chances of the best possible outcome in your marijuana DUI case.
Facing marijuana DUI charges can be overwhelming. Don't face them alone. Contact my firm – Walker Law LLC – today to schedule a simple case assessment with a highly-skilled DWI/DUI defense lawyer. I will offer you the knowledgeable legal guidance, strong advocacy, and aggressive representation you need in your case. My firm is proud to represent clients in Chesterfield, Town and Country, Cottleville, and throughout St. Louis County and St. Charles County, Missouri.