WhatsApp: 973-873-8725 

Newark Criminal Lawyers - Maduabum Law Firm

Call: 973-732-1490

Español/English:

ES
ES

Book an Appointment

Marijuana DUI Attorney, New Jersey

WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH DUI DUE TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA

State laws regarding the possession, use, cultivation and sale of marijuana have grown much more permissive in recent years, with some states going so far as to completely legalize personal use of the substance entirely. In line with this trend, New Jersey has adopted a law that allows people to use medical marijuana with a prescription and under the supervision of a physician.

While using marijuana may be more socially and legally acceptable than it once was, driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs remains illegal and can result in extremely serious legal penalties. In addition, the passage of laws legalizing the use of marijuana has resulted in law enforcement authorities being increasingly suspicious of drivers who may display signs of marijuana intoxication. Important to keep in mind: The fact that a person was legally using marijuana under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) is no defense to allegations of drugged driving.

NEW JERSEY’S DWI LAW

Unlike some other states, New Jersey has a single law that addresses both drunk and drugged driving. The traffic offense of driving under the influence (DUI) occurs when a person drives with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher or when they drive under the influence of a narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drug. The law does not specify how much of a particular drug, other than alcohol, that a person has to have in their system in order to be guilty of DUI. For this reason, law enforcement officers and prosecutors have significant discretion in determining whether to pursue a marijuana-related DUI case against a particular driver. Some of the signs of marijuana intoxication that may be used to attempt to establish marijuana intoxication include the following:

  • The smell of marijuana in the vehicle
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Slow or slurred speech
  • Disorientation
Of course, many of these signs of intoxication could have alternative explanations that have nothing to do with the use of marijuana or other drugs. For example, bloodshot eyes can often be caused by allergies and fatigue, and certain people simply have slower speech patterns than others. As a result, a skilled defense attorney often can cast doubt on the prosecution’s assertion that a driver was intoxicated, sometimes resulting in a case being dropped. If a defense is not available, an attorney can often get a DUI defendant a favorable plea bargain agreement that avoids the most serious consequences associated with a drugged driving conviction. We can also help with other drug-related crimes.

CONTACT A DWI DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY

If you have been accused of driving under the influence of marijuana or any other drug, you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The representation of an experienced lawyer can often result in a much more favorable outcome to a DUI case than a defendant would be able to get on their own. To schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers at Maduabum Law Firm LLC, call our office today at 973-756-2788 or send us an email.

“I was charged with a DWI and Refusal DWI in Elizabeth NJ because I fell asleep at a traffic light early one morning. The police came and woke me up and charged me with DWI and blocking traffic. I hired this firm and they fought like hell for me and 10 months later, all my charges were dismissed. Attorney Lugo handled my case and she was simply great. I have recommended them to all my family and friends.”


Okwute Ubatu