Strategic Legal Defense for Drugged Driving Charges in Riverside, California
Being charged with a drug DUI in Riverside, CA is a serious legal matter that can result in criminal penalties, license suspension, and long-term consequences on your record. Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, drug DUI charges are often more complex due to the lack of a clear legal threshold for impairment. Whether you were accused of driving under the influence of prescription medication, marijuana, or illegal substances, your future could be at risk.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we represent clients facing drug DUI charges throughout Riverside and surrounding areas. Our drug DUI lawyers in Riverside, CA are experienced in handling both misdemeanor and felony drug DUI cases, challenging the science behind testing procedures, and protecting the rights of individuals who have been unfairly targeted by law enforcement. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, our team is ready to provide the legal defense you need.
What Is a Drug DUI Under California Law?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f), it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of any drug that impairs your ability to drive safely. This includes illegal drugs, prescription medications, and even over-the-counter substances. You do not need to be intoxicated in the traditional sense, only impaired to the point where it affects your control of the vehicle. Some of the most common substances involved in drug DUI charges include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin or opioids
- Prescription drugs such as Xanax, Ambien, or Vicodin
- Over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness or delayed reaction times
Because there is no legal limit for most drugs, drug DUI charges are often based on subjective assessments made by law enforcement officers. That is why a skilled Riverside drug DUI attorney is essential to challenge the evidence and protect your rights.
How Drug DUI Arrests Happen in Riverside
Drug DUI arrests often begin with a traffic stop based on erratic driving, speeding, or another vehicle code violation. If the officer suspects impairment and does not detect alcohol, they may begin to investigate whether drugs are involved. The process typically involves:
- A roadside observation of the driver’s appearance and behavior
- Field sobriety tests to assess coordination and judgment
- A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluation, if available
- A blood test to detect the presence of drugs in the system
Unlike alcohol breath tests, there is no reliable roadside tool to detect drug impairment. As a result, drug DUI charges often rest heavily on circumstantial evidence, police opinions, and laboratory testing that may be flawed or misinterpreted.
Penalties for Drug DUI in Riverside County
The penalties for a drug DUI conviction in Riverside are similar to those for alcohol-related DUIs, but the consequences can escalate quickly with prior offenses, refusal to submit to chemical testing, or the involvement of an accident. For a first-time drug DUI offense, penalties may include:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines and penalty assessments that exceed $2,000
- A 4 to 10 month driver’s license suspension
- DUI education classes
- 3 to 5 years of probation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device in some cases
Subsequent offenses or charges involving injury may be filed as felonies, with potential state prison sentences and multi-year license revocations. In addition to court-imposed penalties, a conviction can impact employment, insurance costs, and professional licensing.
Challenging Drug DUI Evidence
Drug DUI cases in Riverside often rely on subjective and scientific evidence that can be challenged effectively with the right defense strategy. Our experienced DUI attorneys work to undermine the prosecution’s case using every available legal tool.
Key areas we investigate include:
- Whether the traffic stop was legally justified
- The reliability and administration of field sobriety tests
- The qualifications and conclusions of the Drug Recognition Expert
- The accuracy of the chemical test results and laboratory procedures
- The presence of alternative medical or psychological explanations for observed behavior
- Whether the drug detected was active or residual with no impact on driving
Many people are surprised to learn that drug metabolites can remain in the bloodstream long after the impairing effects have worn off. This is especially true for marijuana and certain prescription medications. A positive test does not always mean you were impaired while driving.
Local Court Experience Matters
Drug DUI cases in Riverside are handled in the Riverside County Superior Court system. Our attorneys have deep knowledge of the local legal landscape and regularly appear in:
- Riverside Hall of Justice
- Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta
- Larson Justice Center in Indio
- Corona Courthouse (for related jurisdictions)
We represent clients from all over Riverside County, including:
- Riverside
- Eastvale
- Norco
- Jurupa Valley
- Moreno Valley
- Lake Elsinore
- Perris
- Temecula
- Hemet
- San Jacinto
- Chino Hills and nearby communities
Our familiarity with local prosecutors, judges, and courtroom procedures allows us to build defense strategies that are practical, informed, and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug DUI in Riverside
Can I be charged with a drug DUI for using prescription medication?
Yes, you can be charged with drug DUI even if the drugs in your system were legally prescribed. If the medication impairs your ability to drive safely, you may still face criminal charges under California law.
How long do drugs stay in your system for DUI testing?
Some drugs remain detectable in your system for days or even weeks, depending on the substance and type of test used. However, detection does not necessarily mean impairment, which is a critical distinction your lawyer can raise in court.
What is the role of a Drug Recognition Expert in a DUI case?
A Drug Recognition Expert, or DRE, is a specially trained officer who performs a 12-step evaluation to determine drug impairment. Their findings can be used in court, but they are often based on subjective observations that can be challenged.
Will a drug DUI show up on a background check?
Yes, a drug DUI conviction will appear on your criminal record and may be seen during background checks for jobs, housing, or licensing. That is why fighting the charge and avoiding a conviction is so important.
Speak with a Riverside Drug DUI Lawyer Today
If you have been arrested for a drug DUI in Riverside or anywhere in Riverside County, you need legal representation immediately. The penalties are serious, and your future is too important to leave to chance. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we know what it takes to fight these charges and protect your rights.
Call us today at 909-773-2356 to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Our Riverside drug DUI lawyers are ready to help you navigate the legal process and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.