Remember, drug DUI is still illegal. Even though marijuana is now legal in some states, for some uses, it is still a substance that the law considers to be an impairment in terms of driving. Specifically, if a driver is stopped on suspicion of DUI, if marijuana’s chemical residue is found in the driver’s blood, DUI charges can follow. Scientific and medical studies continue to turn up discoveries about the effects of marijuana, both in the short term and over time. At present, one major university and its medical school are studying the detrimental effects on memory from chronic marijuana use.
You may ask, why would a DUI attorney care about something so academic? Well, I care about what the law says about impairment, the substances that cause it, and the crimes that result from it. If you are a cannabis user and become involved in a DUI-related situation, telling an officer or a judge that “I don’t remember what happened” probably isn’t going to help you achieve the best possible outcome. And that is not legal advice; it is merely a commonsense observation.
Whether it ever becomes completely, unconditionally legal in the U.S. or not, marijuana will have its proponents, its users, and people who profit from it. And logically speaking, it follows that drugged driving charges relating to marijuana use will also continue to occur. As an Arizona DUI defense attorney, it’s my responsibility to stay informed on this subject. So if you have questions about Arizona DUI laws and marijuana use, or you find yourself facing a drug-related DUI charge, contact Zachary Law Group. We offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, to begin assessing your legal situation. When we take on your case, we work toward the best possible outcome and “Zach-It”! Law enforcement isn’t going to forget about DUI. If you need help, call 1-855-Zach-law.
