Santa Ana Legal Help - DUI & Drugs

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)

Per California Vehicle Code 23152(a), it is an offense to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In this context, drugs include any substance other than alcohol that could affect your brain, nervous system or muscles. Illegal drugs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs can all result in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) charges being filed against you. Unlike a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, a DUID is not based on any particular limit regarding the amount of substance allowed in your body, but purely on impairment. If it is judged that drugs have affected you to the point where you can no longer drive like a sober person would under similar circumstances, the state can make a case for DUID.

If you are facing a DUID charge, contact a Santa Ana criminal attorney immediately. A conviction in a simple DUID case can result in probation for up to 5 years, heavy fines, mandatory completion of California DUI School, driver's license suspension and, in some cases, jail time. If there are aggravating circumstances or you are convicted of a second or third offense, penalties increase substantially. Although usually considered a misdemeanor, it can be charged as a felony under certain circumstances.

Santa Ana Criminal Defense Lawyer

Mr. Schaffer and our entire legal team can take prompt action on your case in an effort to save your driver's license and your freedom and keep a charge from your criminal record. As there is no specific numerical test for whether or not a DUID has occurred, proving such an accusation can be difficult and we will ensure the prosecution is held to the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In our thorough preparation of your case, we collect any and all facts and evidence that may cast uncertainty on your charge and so lead to dropped charges or an acquittal.

Contact a Santa Ana criminal defense attorney right away if you have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs.