San Rafael Drug DUI Attorney

Defending Against Drug DUI Charges in California

Navigating the legal landscape when facing a drug-related driving under the influence charge in San Rafael can be a daunting experience. At Chambers Defense, we stand by your side to provide the experienced legal representation you need during this challenging time. Our dedicated team of attorneys specializes in drug DUI cases, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the best possible defense.

Call Chambers Defense today at (415) 423-2828 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug DUI lawyer in San Rafael.

What is a Drug DUI?

A Drug DUI, also known as a DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs), transpires when someone operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, impairing their ability to drive safely. Unlike alcohol-related DUI cases, which primarily focus on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, drug DUI cases hinge on the presence of drugs in the driver's system and their impact on driving capabilities.

Drugs encompass many substances, including prescription, over-the-counter, and illicit substances. This means that even if a drug was legally prescribed if its usage impairs your ability to drive safely, you could still face a DUID charge.

What are the Penalties for a Drug DUI in California?

California takes drug DUI offenses seriously, imposing significant penalties to discourage impaired driving and ensure public safety. The consequences for a drug DUI conviction may include:

• License Suspension: A first-time drug DUI conviction may result in a license suspension of up to six months. Subsequent convictions can lead to longer suspension periods.
• Fines: The fines for drug DUI convictions may range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the number of prior convictions and other factors.
• Probation: Offenders may be placed on probation, requiring adherence to certain conditions, such as mandatory drug testing, attendance at DUI education programs, and avoiding further criminal offenses.
• Jail Time: Depending on the circumstances of the case, individuals convicted of drug DUI may face jail time. This is especially likely in cases involving injury, property damage, or multiple DUI convictions.
• Criminal Record: A drug DUI conviction results in a permanent mark on a criminal record, which can have lasting implications for your personal and professional life.

Defenses Against Drug DUI Charges

Some defenses against drug DUI charges may include:

• Challenging the Stop: We investigate whether law enforcement had a valid reason to pull you over in the first place. If your rights were violated during the stop, it could lead to a dismissal of the charges.
• Questioning Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be affected by various factors unrelated to drug impairment. We scrutinize the administration and interpretation of these tests.
• Examining Blood and Urine Tests: We analyze the testing process to ensure proper protocols are followed and accurate results. If there were errors or irregularities, the evidence may be inadmissible.
• Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions can simulate the effects of drug impairment. We explore whether underlying health issues contributed to the observed symptoms.
• Prescription Drug Defense: If the drugs in your system were legally prescribed, we investigate whether their usage was within the recommended dosage and guidelines.