Arrested for a Marijuana DUI in Georgia?
Colorado and Washington have legalized recreational use of marijuana. Recreational use has passed in few other states, and even our country's capital Washington D.C. In almost half of the states, marijuana is legalized or decriminalized for medical use. Even governor Nathan Deal looks to be supporting some form of medical marijuana exemption. But for the time being, there is no room for weed in the Peach State.
If the police find someone with marijuana in their possession, this could lead to a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the amount. But in some cases, even having no marijuana in your possession could lead to a criminal charge, if an officer suspects you are driving under the influence of marijuana.
Cannabis or marijuana, can have a strong odor. The odor of marijuana smoke can sometimes be smelled on someones clothes for hours after smoking. It can also be smelled on people who were near someone smoking marijuana. The smell of marijuana, or even the alleged smell of marijuana in a car, can start a police officer down the path of arresting someone for possession, or of the driver for a marijuana DUI.
Marijuana Impairment
Marijuana use can affect the brain and body. Much of the science is still split over the issue of how marijuana affects a driver's abilities, and for how much time. The active ingredient, THC, affects different people in different ways. But most of the effects of marijuana wear off after a couple of hours. This can cause a problem for trying to determine if a driver is impaired, and leads to many people getting arrested and convicted of driving under the influence of marijuana, even if they aren't impaired.
If the police arrest you for a marijuana DUI, they will test your blood for evidence of marijuana use. The problem is, that even though the effects of smoking weed will wear off after a few hours, the drug is detectable in the blood or urine many days later. Just because you tested positive for marijuana does not mean you are guilty of impaired driving. There are a number of defenses available to someone charged with a marijuana DUI, to get their case dismissed or found not guilty. You need to talk to a skilled and experienced Atlanta DUI defense lawyer who understands how to defend marijuana DUI cases.
Georgia Marijuana DUI Defense
If the police or Georgia State Patrol arrested you or someone you love for a marijuana DUI, you need someone to fight for you. The DUI Attorneys at Lawson and Berry have represented hundreds of people charged with DUIs in the Atlanta area. We understand what it takes to get marijuana and alcohol DUI charges reduced or dismissed. Our lawyers have undergone specialized training in drug detection and field sobriety testing. Don't risk a criminal record and loss of your driving privileges just because the cops treated you as a criminal. You have rights, and should understand all your options before pleading guilty. Call us 24/7, so we can get your charges reduced or dismissed, and you can keep your license to drive.