Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Denver DUI Defense Attorney
The principle behind Colorado's DUI laws is to keep intoxicated drivers off of the road and away from a situation that may put their lives and the lives of others in danger. Anything that may impair one's judgment and motor skills while driving is considered an intoxicant, including drugs and medication.
A charge for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is not exclusive to controlled or illegal substances. Many over-the-counter drugs are considered to be strong enough to impair one's ability to drive, including cold medicines, allergy medicines and many other medications.
DUID is charged and prosecuted much the same way that DUI is, and conviction could mean the possibility of:
- License suspension
- Fines
- Traffic school
- Treatment
- Community service
- Prison time
If you were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, it is important that you contact a Denver DUI attorney right away. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may not only face charges for intoxicated driving but also for unauthorized use of controlled substances.
Can I Be Charged with DUI if I Smoked Marijuana?
If you were arrested for DUI, you may be wondering whether or not charges can be filed against you if you do not have a BAC level of 0.08 or above, and all you have done is smoke marijuana. If your driving ability has been impaired, then you can be charged with DUI. This is true even with the state's new marijuana laws in place.
This laws allow individuals 21 years of age or older to have up to 1 ounce of marijuana in their possession for their own personal use, without fear of penalty. Marijuana can be shared with friends only if no money is exchanged between them. Individuals can also have up to six marijuana plants growing in their home providing they are properly enclosed and secured to prevent others from gaining access.
When it comes to smoking marijuana and getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, the laws are similar to those imposed for drunk driving. With drunk driving, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more will warrant DUI charges.
In the case of marijuana use, the law clearly states that if a driver is found to have 5ng/ml or more of active THC in his or her blood at the time of arrest, DUI charges can be filed.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Denver, CO
Attorney Chris Cessna has been providing DUI defense services to people in the Denver area for many years, and has handled many cases in which his clients were facing charges for driving under the influence of drugs. Attorney Chris Cessna has an excellent understanding of Colorado DUI law, and knows what is required to effectively fight these types of charges.
Furthermore, attorney Chris Cessna is the only attorney in Colorado that is a formally trained and certified DRE-EMT (drug recognition expert-emergency medical technician). This training and experience has aided attorney Chris Cessna’s ability to provide top tier defense services for those accused with driving under the influence of drugs. In addition, as a former DUI police officer and district attorney, Mr. Cessna also knows how the police are likely to conduct their investigation and arrest, as well as how the prosecution is likely going to handle their case.
For experienced representation contact attorney Chris Cessna today!