How To Avoid a Marijuana DUI In Arizona

The Consequences Of Driving Under The Influence Of Marijuana In Arizona

Marijuana use in Arizona is now legal, but there are still limitations placed on its use that you need to know. For example, it is not legal to drive a vehicle while you’re under the influence of marijuana. Doing so can result in prosecution for a marijuana DUI, which can result in multiple consequences:

• Loss of your driver’s license
• Fines
• Jail time
• Up to 10 years of probation
• Increased penalties with each conviction, including the installation of an ignition interlock on your vehicle

Like many other states, Arizona has a zero-tolerance policy, which means there is no legal minimum amount of marijuana that you can have in your body while you’re driving. Arizona is known for having some of the harshest DUI penalties in the country.

A marijuana DUI conviction can have serious consequences that negatively impact your life. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a marijuana DUI, get in touch with a Mesa DUI lawyer for representation and advice as soon as possible.

What To Do If You’ve Been Charged With a Marijuana DUI Based On Metabolite Testing

Marijuana metabolites are chemicals that your body creates as it metabolizes, or digests, THC, one of the primary chemicals in marijuana. Law enforcement and medical providers can detect these metabolites in your breath, blood, and urine through various types of tests. Metabolites can remain in your body for weeks after using marijuana. This can be unfortunate for some people because it means that you can test positive and be charged with a marijuana DUI as long as several weeks after your last marijuana usage, even though you were not currently using it at the time of the traffic stop.

Although law enforcement officials in Arizona are not supposed to be investigating drivers for DUIs if they do not have a reason to suspect your impairment, it is still possible to be stopped for another reason – such as speeding, running a red light, or involvement in a car accident – and still face metabolite testing.

Drivers must keep this possibility in mind when they assess the risk of driving in the days or weeks after marijuana use. If you have received a positive metabolite test after a traffic stop and are concerned about facing charges of a DUI even though you were not on marijuana at the time, contact our experienced lawyer immediately. Skilled representation can be crucial to the outcome of your situation.

Why You Should Wait Until You’re Sober To Drive After Smoking Marijuana

Although marijuana users face a small chance of being charged with marijuana DUI weeks after using the drug, drivers should never take the risk of driving a vehicle while actively impaired. Not only does this endanger you and other drivers on the road, but you’ll face a seriously increased likelihood of being stopped by law enforcement officers for DUI testing and potential arrest. Always wait until the effects of marijuana have passed before you consider driving any kind of vehicle.

Here are some of the reasons why it is important to wait until the effects of marijuana have passed before driving:

• Marijuana can impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. This can make it difficult to drive safely, especially in challenging conditions such as bad weather or heavy traffic.
• Marijuana can also make you drowsy or sleepy. This can lead to microsleeps, which are brief periods of unconsciousness that can happen while you are driving. Microsleeps can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and crash.
• Even if you do not feel impaired, you could still be over the legal limit for driving under the influence of marijuana. The legal limit for THC in your blood is typically very low.

It is not worth the risk of driving while impaired by marijuana. Always wait until you are sober before getting behind the wheel.

What Happens If You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test In Arizona?

Contrary to popular belief, it is legal to refuse a field sobriety test in Arizona. It may be in your best interest to refuse this test because they are notoriously unreliable. If you choose to refuse a field sobriety test, law enforcement officers may ask you to take a blood or urine test. These tests are much more reliable. You do have the right to refuse these tests as well, but your license may immediately be suspended if you do. In these situations, contacting your DUI lawyer right away for advice and representation may be essential to the protection of your rights and reinstatement of your driving privileges.

Here are some of the factors to consider when deciding whether or not to refuse a field sobriety test:

• The circumstances of the stop: If you were pulled over for a minor traffic violation, such as a broken tail light, you may be more likely to be able to refuse the test without being arrested. However, if you were pulled over for erratic driving or other signs of impairment, the officer may be more likely to arrest you even if you refuse the test.
• The officer’s demeanor: If the officer is polite and professional, you may be more likely to trust them and agree to take the test. However, if the officer is aggressive or confrontational, you may be more likely to refuse the test.
• Your own personal circumstances: If you have a history of DUI arrests, you may be more likely to refuse the test because you know that the evidence against you will be stronger. However, if you have never been arrested for DUI before, you may be more willing to take the test in the hope of convincing the officer that you are not impaired.

The decision of refusing a field sobriety test is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best course of action will vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Get The Legal Representation You Need For a Marijuana DUI With Dove Law Firm

When your driving privileges and freedom are on the line, you need a trusted criminal defense attorney in Arizona who will fight for your rights and promote the best outcome for your case. If you’re facing a marijuana DUI in Arizona, contact Dove Law Firm, PLLC, to schedule your free consultation. We have extensive experience representing individuals who have been accused or charged with marijuana DUI in Arizona and will provide tough, ethical defense on your behalf. Contact us today!