Towson Marijuana DUI Attorney

Lawyer for DUI and DWI Cases Involving Marijuana in Towson, MD

Since 2023, marijuana has been legal to possess and use in Maryland. However, driving while under the influence of marijuana remains illegal. If you have been arrested for DUI related to the use of marijuana in Towson or the surrounding areas, you could face serious legal consequences. DUI charges can carry significant penalties, and if convicted, you may face fines, jail time, the loss of your driver's license, and a record that could affect your future. At Kirk Seaman, LLC, we can help you address these charges and take steps to prevent penalties that could affect your life and your future.

Understanding DUI and DWI Charges Related to Marijuana

In Maryland, cases involving driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, are treated similarly to those involving alcohol. A DUI charge may apply if a person is found to be impaired to a level that affects their ability to drive safely. Driving under the influence of marijuana can lead to two types of charges:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence): This charge is typically applied if the driver is found to be severely impaired. A DUI is a more serious charge and can lead to penalties such as heavy fines, jail time, and the suspension or revocation of a driver's license. Drivers convicted of DUI may also face long-term consequences, such as difficulty finding employment and a record that impacts their personal and professional lives.
• DWI (Driving While Impaired): A DWI charge may apply in situations where a driver was mildly impaired. While less severe than DUI charges, a conviction for DWI can still lead to fines, the possibility of jail time, and a driver's license suspension.

Field Sobriety and Drug Recognition Tests

When a police officer who has pulled a driver over suspects that the person is impaired by marijuana, they may ask them to take field sobriety tests. These tests are meant to assess the motor skills and cognitive functions of the driver, and they may involve activities such as walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, or following an object with the eyes. Because marijuana does not affect people in the same way that alcohol does, these tests can be more subjective and open to interpretation.

In some cases, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) may be called to the scene of a traffic stop. These law enforcement officers have received training to help them identify signs of impairment due to the use of various substances. A DRE may perform a series of evaluations, including physical exams and checking for dilated pupils or other symptoms of drug use. However, even with DRE involvement, it can be difficult to definitively prove marijuana impairment, as there is no standard roadside test to measure the levels of THC (the active compound in marijuana) in the body.

Unlike alcohol-related DUI cases, marijuana-related cases rely heavily on officer observations. Blood or urine tests conducted after an arrest may also play a role in a marijuana DUI case. These tests detect the presence of THC in the body, but the results can be misleading. THC can remain in the body long after the effects have worn off, making it challenging to prove that a driver was impaired at the time of the traffic stop.

How We Can Defend Against Marijuana DUI Charges

If you have been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana in Towson, it is important to seek legal representation from a knowledgeable attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. Our team has extensive experience helping clients defend against marijuana DUI charges. We know that DUI cases involving marijuana can be particularly challenging due to the lack of clear-cut evidence, and we are prepared to develop an effective defense strategy for you.

One of the key defenses in marijuana DUI cases will involve challenging the validity of the evidence presented. For example, field sobriety tests may not accurately reflect impairment from marijuana, and the results of these tests can often be contested. Additionally, we may question the reliability of drug tests, which can show the presence of marijuana even if you were not impaired at the time you were driving.

Another defense may focus on the actions of the police officer during the traffic stop. Law enforcement officers must follow proper protocols, and if your rights were violated during the stop or when evidence was collected, we may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

Contact Our Towson, MD Marijuana DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for DUI based on the use of marijuana can be a daunting experience, but you do not have to face it alone. Our team will provide you with compassionate legal representation, and we will fight for your rights during every step of the legal process. We understand the stakes involved in your case, and we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us at 410-837-6077 to schedule a free consultation and get the defense you need against marijuana DUI charges.