Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)

Mon 16th December, 2019 Criminal Law

In California, a driver can be arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs is also known as a DUID. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a DUID, it is critical that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The Law Office of Bradley S. Sandler in Los Angeles has defended many clients against accusations of driving under the influence of drugs and is ready to zealously advocate for you. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation of your case.

What is Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

A driver can be arrested for DUID if the officer making the arrest believes that the driver cannot drive sober due to any illicit, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs or due to the combination of both drugs and alcohol. It is important to note that driving under the influence of drugs does not just pertain to illegal substances. A driver can be arrested for DUID while on prescribed medication or because of an unanticipated bad reaction to a medication.

Unlike a regular DUI that has a minimum required blood alcohol content, there is no minimum threshold for a DUID. A driver can be arrested for taking any amount of drugs so long as it has affected the nervous system, brain, or muscles of the body to the point where the driver can no longer operate a vehicle like a reasonable, sober person.

Penalties for DUID

The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs vary depending on the number of prior DUI convictions and other specific factors. For a first, second, or third DUID with no injuries to other people, conviction for a DUID is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties include three to five years of probation, a fine up to $1,800 for a first offense, DUI school, a driver’s license suspension, and possibly jail time up to one year.

The penalties are enhanced to a felony on a fourth or subsequent conviction for DUID or if another person was injured as a result of driving under the influence. Felony DUID includes penalties of three to four years in prison and fines up to $5,000 in addition to probation, DUI school, and a driver’s license suspension. It is important to note that convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of drugs are not treated separately. If you have received three DUI convictions and are arrested for a fourth DUID, your penalties for conviction are increased to felony level.

Talk to Our Office Now

Getting arrested for driving under the influence of drugs should never be taken lightly, and an experienced California criminal defense attorney is your best chance of beating charges of DUID. To learn more about your legal options after an arrest, call or contact the Law Office of Bradley S. Sandler today for a free consultation of your case.