Defending Drivers Accused of Cannabis Impairment in Riverside, California
With the legalization of recreational marijuana in California, many drivers mistakenly believe they can use cannabis and then drive without consequence. However, driving under the influence of marijuana is still a criminal offense under California law. A marijuana DUI conviction in Riverside can lead to serious legal consequences, including jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we help clients throughout Riverside County who have been arrested for marijuana-related DUI charges. Our marijuana DUI lawyers in Riverside, CA have extensive experience challenging the science and assumptions behind cannabis impairment allegations. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana, we are ready to fight for your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process.
What Is a Marijuana DUI in California?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f), it is illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any drug, including marijuana, if it impairs your ability to drive safely. Unlike alcohol DUIs, marijuana DUIs do not rely on a legal limit such as a blood alcohol concentration. Instead, law enforcement and prosecutors must prove that marijuana affected your mental or physical ability to the point where it made driving unsafe. You can be arrested for a marijuana DUI in Riverside if an officer believes:
- You are exhibiting signs of impairment, such as delayed reaction times or red eyes
- Your driving behavior suggests intoxication
- A Drug Recognition Expert evaluates you and suspects cannabis use
- A blood test shows active THC in your system
The challenge is that marijuana affects people differently, and THC can remain in your bloodstream long after the impairing effects have worn off. This makes marijuana DUI cases highly defensible with the right legal approach.
Common Scenarios Leading to Marijuana DUI Charges
Many marijuana DUI arrests in Riverside begin with a traffic stop. An officer may pull a driver over for a minor infraction, such as speeding or drifting out of a lane. If they smell marijuana or believe the driver appears impaired, they may begin a DUI investigation. Other common scenarios include:
- Admission of recent marijuana use to law enforcement
- Presence of cannabis or paraphernalia in the vehicle
- Failing field sobriety tests
- Involvement in a collision followed by a positive THC test
Because there is no definitive roadside test for marijuana like a breathalyzer for alcohol, officers often rely on field sobriety tests and subjective observations to make arrests. These indicators can be inaccurate and may not hold up under legal scrutiny.
Legal Penalties for a Marijuana DUI Conviction in Riverside
Marijuana DUIs are typically charged as misdemeanors in California, but the penalties can still be serious, especially for repeat offenders or cases involving injury. For a first-time offense, penalties may include:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines ranging from $390 to over $1,000, plus penalty assessments
- Suspension of your driver’s license for up to 6 months
- Mandatory completion of a DUI education program
- Probation for 3 to 5 years
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device
A marijuana DUI involving injury to another person may be charged as a felony, leading to higher fines, longer license suspension, and a potential prison sentence. A conviction also becomes part of your criminal record and can impact employment, insurance, and future legal matters.
How Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration Fights Marijuana DUI Charges
Our Riverside marijuana DUI lawyers approach every case with the goal of getting charges reduced or dismissed. We conduct a detailed analysis of the arrest, evidence, and legal procedures to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We may challenge:
- The reason for the initial traffic stop
- The qualifications and methodology of the Drug Recognition Expert
- The reliability of field sobriety tests
- The accuracy and timing of blood or urine THC tests
- Whether the amount of THC detected could have caused actual impairment
In many cases, we consult with toxicologists, medical professionals, and forensic experts to counter the prosecution’s narrative. Our aim is to create reasonable doubt about your alleged impairment and secure the best possible outcome.
Understanding the DMV Process
After a marijuana DUI arrest in Riverside, your driver’s license may be at risk even before your court case is resolved. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin an administrative process to suspend your license.
You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you miss this window, your license will be automatically suspended. Our law firm represents clients in both criminal court and DMV hearings to ensure your driving privileges are protected.
Local Representation in Riverside DUI Courts
Drug and marijuana DUI cases in Riverside County are heard at various courthouses, depending on where the arrest occurred. Our attorneys are familiar with each location and the nuances of the local legal system, giving you an advantage. We handle cases at:
- Riverside Hall of Justice
- Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta
- Larson Justice Center in Indio
- Corona Courthouse
Our clients come from cities across Riverside County, including Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, Norco, Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, Perris, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, and Chino Hills.
Why Choose Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration
Marijuana DUI cases are different from other DUI offenses. They require an attorney who not only understands the law but also the evolving science of cannabis impairment and testing. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we provide:
- Years of experience in Riverside County DUI defense
- Strategic legal representation backed by scientific analysis
- Personalized attention from start to finish
- Aggressive courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills
- A proven track record of favorable outcomes in DUI cases
We are committed to helping our clients avoid convictions, protect their licenses, and minimize the long-term consequences of a marijuana DUI charge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana DUI in Riverside
Can I get a DUI for marijuana even if I am a medical user?
Yes, you can still be charged with a DUI if law enforcement believes you were impaired by marijuana, even if you have a valid medical marijuana card. Legal use does not protect you from impairment-related charges.
How long after using marijuana can I legally drive?
There is no set time that guarantees you are safe from a marijuana DUI charge. THC can stay in your bloodstream for hours or even days, and law enforcement may still arrest you if they believe your driving was impaired.
Is there a legal THC limit for driving in California?
No, California does not have a specific legal limit for THC like it does for alcohol. Prosecutors must prove actual impairment rather than rely on a set concentration of THC in your system.
Will a marijuana DUI appear on a background check?
Yes, a marijuana DUI conviction will appear on your criminal record and can show up on employment or housing background checks. That is why fighting the charge with a skilled lawyer is important.
Contact a Riverside Marijuana DUI Lawyer Today
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana in Riverside, do not face the legal system alone. These cases involve complex scientific and legal issues that require a strategic defense. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we are ready to protect your rights and your future.
Call us today at 909-773-2356 to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced marijuana DUI lawyers in Riverside, CA. We will review your case, explain your options, and begin building a strong defense on your behalf.