What are the Drugged Driving Laws in Washington?

When you hear the term “driving under the influence” or DUI, most people automatically associate it with alcohol. In most cases, when an individual is charged with DUI, they consumed far too much alcohol than their body can handle which is return has labeled them as “impaired”. Although majority of cases of DUI do involve alcohol, it also refers to someone operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs. Each state has its own particular set of laws regarding this type of charge and it is important you are aware of these to keep from breaking any.

If you have been convicted of driving while under the influence of marijuana, let USAttorneys.com find you the best DUI lawyer in Washington to represent you.

Some Common Laws You Need to be Aware of 

• According to the Washington State Legislature, “a person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within the state.” If an individual is pulled over and has a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher within two hours after driving, they are likely going to be facing a DUI charge for this and will suffer the consequences for taking part in the act.

• If an officer accuses you of driving drugged and you refuse a chemical test, you are automatically going to be fined and your driving privileges will be suspended. You will have a court date set where your conviction will be determined as well as any other charges/fines that may be assessed. 

• If you are convicted of drugged driving, the penalties are generally the same for someone who is caught driving while under the influence of alcohol. A first time offender is looking at about 24 hours to one year in jail, a maximum of a $5,000 fine, having their license suspended for up a year, and possibly having an interlock ignition device installed.

The best way to help get charges reduced, especially for someone who may have caused an accident, is to hire to dedicated DUI attorney in Tacoma, WA who understands these laws and can use past case verdicts and apply the outcomes to your case.

What Drugs Are Prohibited from Being Consumed Before Operating a Vehicle

To determine what types of drugs can and cannot be consumed before operating a vehicle, you must first place it in the appropriate category it belongs. According to the DEA, Drug Enforcement Administration, there are five distinct categories a controlled substance, or drug, fall into. They are referred to as schedules and the first schedule is where you would find substances such as heroin, marijuana, or ecstasy. Schedule I drugs are generally known to have higher abuse rates while Schedule V have a lower potential for abuse.

In terms of DUI for a controlled substance, it all comes down to which type of drug it is and how much of it was consumed. Keep in mind, though, that if an officer in the state of Washington has reasonable suspicion to believe you are under the influence of a drug, they will more than likely be arrested you and charging you.

If you have recently been charged with a DUI, contact a local Tacoma, WA DUI lawyer immediately to learn how they can help get your charges reduced.