Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in California

Even Over-the-Counter Drugs Can Lead to a DUI Conviction

Under California's Vehicle Code 23152(a), it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Did you know that the definition of drugs in this law includes over-the-counter medications like Tylenol PM, cough medicines, or allergy medications which can cause drowsiness? According to the statute, a drug is any substance that might affect your nervous system, brain, or muscles. Thus, it includes illegal street drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, or PCP, prescription drugs such as painkillers, tranquilizers, and inhalants, as well as any medication you can buy at pharmacy over the counter which may impair your ability to drive.

If you are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs in California, you face some harsh penalties. These include probation for up to five years, hefty fines up to $1800 on a first offense, attendance at a California DUI school, the suspension of your driver's license and possible jail time, depending on the circumstances and if you have any prior convictions. If the drugs in question are controlled substances, you may be subjected to drug charges as well as the DUI.

In the face of all this, you owe it to yourself to get the best legal representation you can find. If you are in Palmdale, Lancaster, or Victorville, we recommend that you contact the law offices of David M. Wallin. By retaining the services of this attorney who has more than 20 years of experience handling DUI and other criminal offenses, you will find yourself in the hands of an aggressive and thoroughly knowledgeable attorney. He and his team know the local court systems, the pertinent laws, and how to challenge the prosecutor's case.

What happens in a trial involving DUI drugs?

These types of trials will include the arresting officer's testimony about how you were driving, what your physical appearance may have been, and how you may or may not have performed on field sobriety tests. Chemical tests involving drugs do not have a "legal limit" as do alcohol-related breathalyzer tests. Therefore, much of the prosecution's case will rest on this testimony.

Having a skilled Palmdale criminal defense lawyer like Attorney David Wallin can make a significant difference in how your case evolves and in its final outcome. Having any kind of drug in your system doesn't necessarily translate to driving impairment. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, numerous defenses exist which can be employed by a capable attorney. As a DUI defense attorney, Mr. Wallin has defended countless clients against such charges in his long and successful career.