Defending Drivers Accused of Cannabis Impairment in Corona, CA
California may have legalized recreational marijuana, but driving under its influence is still a criminal offense. If you’ve been arrested for a marijuana DUI in Corona, CA, the consequences can be just as serious as those for alcohol-related DUIs — even without a breathalyzer to prove impairment.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we understand the confusion and frustration that comes with facing these charges. Our Corona marijuana DUI lawyers focus on challenging the assumptions and science behind cannabis DUI arrests, delivering strategic and personalized legal defense throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Cannabis and California DUI Laws: What You Need to Know
Unlike alcohol DUIs, where a BAC of 0.08% is a clear legal threshold, marijuana DUIs don’t rely on a strict number. Instead, prosecutors must prove that you were “under the influence” of cannabis to the extent that you could not operate a vehicle safely.
This leaves a lot of room for interpretation — and a lot of room for error. You can be arrested and charged with marijuana DUI in Corona if:
- You appear impaired during a traffic stop
- Law enforcement believes your driving was affected by cannabis
- A blood test shows THC in your system (regardless of actual impairment)
- A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) claims you showed signs of marijuana influence
Our job as marijuana DUI attorneys in Corona is to scrutinize every detail of your arrest and question the evidence used to charge you.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Marijuana DUI Charges
Many people are caught off guard when a routine stop or minor infraction escalates into a cannabis DUI accusation. Some of the most common situations that lead to these arrests include:
- Being pulled over for speeding or weaving and admitting recent marijuana use
- Failing a field sobriety test due to fatigue or nerves
- Having marijuana in your vehicle in plain view
- Showing red or watery eyes — which can be caused by allergies, not cannabis
- Testing positive for THC days after using marijuana, long after the effects wore off
Because THC can linger in your system for days or even weeks, positive test results don’t always mean you were impaired while driving. Our Corona marijuana DUI lawyers are here to make sure that distinction is not ignored.
What Happens After a Marijuana DUI Arrest in Corona?
If you are arrested in Corona or anywhere in Riverside County for driving under the influence of marijuana, you may face both criminal prosecution and administrative consequences, such as license suspension.
Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Booking and release: You may be booked at a local jail and either released on bail or your own recognizance.
- Notice of suspension: The DMV may automatically suspend your license unless you request a hearing within 10 days.
- Court proceedings: Your case will go to criminal court, where you will be arraigned and given the opportunity to enter a plea.
- Pre-trial process: Evidence is exchanged, and your attorney may file motions to suppress or dismiss charges.
- Trial or resolution: The case may be resolved through negotiation or go to trial, depending on the circumstances and strength of the evidence.
Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration will represent you through every phase of the process, keeping you informed and protected from start to finish.
The Challenges of Proving Marijuana DUI
Marijuana DUIs are notoriously difficult to prove. Unlike alcohol, where impairment is more easily quantified, cannabis affects people differently and can remain in the body long after use.
Our Corona marijuana DUI lawyers understand how to challenge:
- Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): These tests are not scientifically validated for marijuana impairment.
- Drug Recognition Expert testimony: DREs often rely on subjective judgments, not objective science.
- Blood THC levels: The presence of THC doesn’t necessarily mean you were impaired at the time of driving.
- Officer observations: Red eyes, slow speech, or unusual behavior may have explanations unrelated to marijuana use.
We work with forensic toxicologists, medical experts, and other professionals to dispute unreliable evidence and build a compelling defense.
Legal Penalties for Marijuana DUI in Corona
Although a marijuana DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor, the consequences can still be significant — especially if you have prior offenses or there was an accident involved.
Potential penalties for a first-time marijuana DUI in Corona include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines ranging from $390 to over $2,000 with penalty assessments
- 3–9 months of DUI education classes
- License suspension (via DMV and/or court)
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Probation for 3 to 5 years
Subsequent offenses, DUIs causing injury, or DUIs involving minors in the vehicle can lead to harsher penalties, including felony charges.
Defense Strategies Tailored to Cannabis DUI
Every marijuana DUI case presents its own challenges — and opportunities for dismissal or reduction. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we tailor your defense to the facts of your arrest and the evidence at hand.
Here are a few defenses that may apply:
- No proof of impairment: The prosecution must show that you were unable to drive safely due to cannabis use, not just that you had THC in your system.
- Unlawful traffic stop: If police lacked probable cause to stop your vehicle, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible.
- Testing issues: Improper handling of your blood sample or flawed testing procedures may invalidate the results.
- Medical marijuana use: If you are a legal user with a prescription, this may complicate the prosecution’s case.
- Alternative causes: Physical symptoms attributed to marijuana may actually result from fatigue, illness, or other legal substances.
We approach each case with the goal of reducing charges, avoiding jail, and keeping your record as clean as possible.
Local Insight Matters in Marijuana DUI Cases
Our attorneys know how Corona courts operate and what Riverside County prosecutors look for in marijuana DUI cases. This familiarity with the local legal system gives us an edge in negotiating favorable outcomes and pushing back against overzealous charges.
We routinely appear in:
- Riverside Hall of Justice
- Southwest Justice Center
- Banning Justice Center
- Indio Larson Justice Center
- Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court
- San Bernardino Superior Court
- Victorville Superior Court
- Joshua Tree Superior Court
- Central Justice Center
- Harbor Justice Center
- North Justice Center
- West Justice Center
- El Monte Courthouse
- Pomona Courthouse
- West Covina Courthouse
And we serve clients across the entire region, including:
Riverside County:
- Banning
- Beaumont
- Canyon Lake
- Cathedral City
- Coachella
- Corona
- Desert Hot Springs
- Eastvale
- Hemet
- Indian Wells
- Indio
- Jurupa Valley
- La Quinta
- Lake Elsinore
- Menifee
- Moreno Valley
- Murrieta
- Norco
- Palm Desert
- Palm Springs
- Perris
- Rancho Mirage
- Riverside
- San Jacinto
- Temecula
- Wildomar
San Bernardino County:
- Chino Hills
- Chino
- Colton
- Fontana
- Hesperia
- Highland
- Loma Linda
- Montclair
- Ontario
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Redlands
- Rialto
- San Bernardino
- Twentynine Palms
- Upland
- Victorville
- Yucaipa
Orange County:
- Anaheim
- Costa Mesa
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Huntington Beach
- Irvine
- Newport Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Newport Beach
- Orange
- Santa Ana
- Tustin
- Westminster
- Yorba Linda
Our Commitment to Clients in Corona and Beyond
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we take a personalized approach to every marijuana DUI case. When you choose us, you’re not just getting a lawyer — you’re getting a team that is committed to fighting for your future.
What sets us apart:
- Extensive experience with cannabis-related DUI cases
- Understanding of marijuana science and forensic testing
- Responsive communication and clear legal guidance
- Strong courtroom presence and negotiation skills
- Dedication to protecting your driving privileges and criminal record
We treat every case like it matters — because to you, it does.
FAQs About Marijuana DUI in Corona, CA
Can I be charged with DUI if I used marijuana days ago?
Yes, if THC is detected in your system, you could be charged — even if you weren’t impaired while driving. That’s why it’s critical to fight the charge with an experienced marijuana DUI lawyer.
How do police test for marijuana impairment?
Police may rely on field sobriety tests, DRE evaluations, and blood tests. However, these methods are often unreliable and can be challenged in court.
Is medical marijuana a defense to DUI?
Not necessarily. Even legal marijuana users can be charged with DUI if they are impaired while driving. However, it may impact how your case is handled.
What’s the difference between a marijuana DUI and an alcohol DUI?
The primary difference lies in how impairment is measured. Alcohol DUIs use BAC levels, while marijuana DUIs rely on more subjective evidence of impairment.
Should I hire a lawyer for a marijuana DUI in Corona?
Absolutely. These cases involve complex legal and scientific issues that require skilled legal defense to avoid harsh penalties.
Speak with Our Corona Marijuana DUI Lawyers Today
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana in Corona, Riverside, or San Bernardino, don’t face the system alone. Our experienced cannabis DUI lawyers are here to listen, protect your rights, and build the strongest possible defense.
Call Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration at 909-773-2356 today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward with confidence — and fight back against marijuana DUI charges that threaten your future.