Waynesville Marijuana DUI Lawyer

Waynesville Marijuana DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana is a serious offense. Getting arrested or facing these charges can have significant negative consequences for your life in many ways. If you are facing marijuana DUI charges in Waynesville, it is crucial to contact a Waynesville marijuana DUI lawyer who can work to protect your rights and mount a strong defense on your behalf, advocating tirelessly for optimal outcomes.

At Edwards Law, PLLC, our skilled Waynesville DUI defense team has decades of combined experience successfully representing individuals who have been charged with driving under the influence crimes. We understand the particular challenges that folks in Waynesville and surrounding areas face during marijuana DUI arrests and criminal defense processes. Therefore, we leverage our local knowledge and experience to craft a robust defense strategy that fits your case.

What You Need to Know: Marijuana DUI Laws in North Carolina

In North Carolina, it is prohibited to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of any drug or substance, such as marijuana. Although there are legal limits for the amount of alcohol that can be in a driver’s system (0.08% blood alcohol concentration), there is no standardized limit for marijuana intoxication. Alternatively, law enforcement may use evidence like chemical testing for THC — the active component in marijuana.

Law enforcement may also choose to use highly subjective assessments like impairment observations and field sobriety tests to prove you were under the influence of marijuana while driving. As there’s no clear standard when it comes to marijuana DUI charges in Waynesville, these cases are highly subject to interpretation and, therefore, complicated. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can challenge the validity of any methods being used to prove your impairment.

How a Waynesville Marijuana DUI Lawyer Can Support Your Case

Unfortunately, individuals dealing with marijuana DUI charges in North Carolina could be facing serious penalties — even if the offense is the first time. Potential qualities include loss of driving privileges, hefty fines, community service, probation, and even jail time. A Waynesville marijuana DUI lawyer can work to mitigate these long-term consequences by leveraging their experience working with nuanced DUI cases and knowledge of NC law.

They can work to question the accuracy of methods used to determine marijuana impairment, such as chemical tests, field sobriety tests, and observations made. Furthermore, by deeply investigating the circumstances of your case, they can work to understand whether your rights were violated during processes such as your traffic stop, arrest, or testing procedure. This may serve as grounds to get evidence against you suppressed.

If the evidence is significantly stacked against you, it may be ideal to negotiate with prosecutors to get reduced charges or penalties, such as avoiding a license suspension in exchange for completing a community service program. Should your case go to trial, a skilled marijuana DUI attorney can fiercely advocate on your behalf, working to challenge the prosecution’s argument and successfully present your defense.

Waynesville Marijuana DUI FAQs

Q: Can I Be Charged With a DUI for Using Marijuana in North Carolina?

A: Yes, you can be charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana in North Carolina, in addition to other types of substances. If the police suspect that your ability to drive your car is impacted by marijuana ingestion or use, you could be charged with a marijuana DUI in the state. If you are facing marijuana DUI charges, it’s crucial to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and interests.

Q: How Does Law Enforcement Test for Marijuana Impairment in NC?

A: In North Carolina, law enforcement does not use any standardized tests for marijuana impairment, in contrast to testing for alcohol. Depending on the officer, they may opt to order a blood or urine test or rely on observations of impairment or field sobriety tests. As testing for marijuana impairment can be highly subjective, it’s crucial to work with a skilled attorney who can show the lack of evidence present to prove your impairment.

Q: What Are the Penalties for a Marijuana DUI in North Carolina?

A: For a marijuana DUI in North Carolina, you may be facing penalties such as suspension of your driver’s license, fines, mandatory treatment for substance abuse, and potential jail time. Depending on your criminal history and the severity of your charges, you may be able to opt for alternative sentencing, such as community service or probation. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the penalties you may be facing based on your charges.

Q: Is There a Legal Limit for THC in North Carolina, Like There Is for Alcohol?

A: No, in North Carolina, there is not a legal limit for THC like there is for alcohol. Instead, impairment is determined by different methods from law enforcement, such as urine or blood test results, observations, and other types of evidence. A knowledgeable attorney can help you challenge the evidence brought forward by the prosecution to get your charges reduced or even dropped.

Q: Can I Refuse a Blood Test if Pulled Over for a Suspected Marijuana DUI?

A: If you’ve been pulled over for a suspected marijuana DUI, refusing a blood test can lead to automatic penalties. Under North Carolina’s implied consent law, individuals who refuse to undergo chemical testing may face suspension of their license for up to one year, regardless of whether they are ultimately found guilty of the DUI charge or not. A criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the situation if you were pulled over and refused a chemical test.

Protect Your Rights and Interests With a Skilled Waynesville Marijuana DUI Lawyer

If you’ve been pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana, you are likely feeling overwhelmed by the disorienting process of being detained and the criminal defense process ahead of you. Thankfully, an empathetic and experienced Waynesville marijuana DUI lawyer from Edwards Law, PLLC, can work closely with you to design and implement a strong criminal defense strategy.

Contact us today to get started discussing the details of your case.