A “DUI” is a common enough charge- most of us understand what that is and what it entails, but do you know how charges for driving under the influence of drugs may differ?
If you were charged with a DUID in Colorado, you need to understand how a DUID differs from a standard DUI so that you can better assess the charges laid against you and the potential repercussions. DUI regulations regarding drugs are a bit more subjective, which is why it is important to discover the foundation for the charges laid against you.
The Basics: DUID vs. DUI
Driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol can be a serious crime, but the effects of drugs can be a bit trickier to identify and test for, namely because certain drugs hit individuals differently. Now that the use of marijuana is legal, it is difficult to monitor an acceptable level of “intoxication” for legal drug use in the same way that law enforcement has regulated acceptable alcohol levels.
Understanding DUID Charges
If a driver is caught driving under the influence of illegal drugs, they could face drug charges, but a DUID for marijuana will depend on the amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, (the mind-altering ingredient in cannabis), in the driver’s blood. In Colorado, the legal limit is five nanograms of THC in a person’s bloodstream. However, we also know that this measure doesn’t always denote a driver’s impairment.
Someone who has never smoked pot before, for example, might be impaired more quickly than someone who smokes regularly. That said, a seasoned cannabis user might have more than the legal limit of 5 nanograms in their bloodstream but they may not be impaired at all. If you were arrested on suspicion of DUID, make sure you know what you could be up against so you can better defend your rights and your future.
Penalties for DUID Conviction
If convicted of driving under the influence of drugs, you could face the following consequences:
12 points against your driver’s license
Community service
Driver’s license suspension for up to 9 months
Fines totalling up to $1,000
Up to 1 year in jail
It is also important to note that the consequences may be more severe for those suspected of driving under the influence of illegal substances. If the arresting officer finds illegal drugs or paraphernalia in your vehicle or on your person, you may also face possession charges, or worse.
Seek Legal Help Today
If you were charged with DUID, you need to contact an experienced DUID attorney as soon as possible so you can begin building a legal defense. Our seasoned team can assess your situation, investigate the circumstances of your arrest, and gather evidence and information in your favor. We understand how DUID charges could alter your future, and we want to use our resources and knowledge to help protect your future.
Contact Orr Law Firm today to discuss your DUID arrest with our attorneys.