Washington State law specifically details that if an individual is under the influence of or affected by the consumption of drugs, while operating a motor vehicle, they can be charged with and convicted of the gross misdemeanor of DUI. As the trend of legalization of recreational marijuana continues across the country, it will continue to pose a unique challenge for police with regard to enforcement of DUI laws. In Washington State, if a person has, within two hours after driving, a THC concentration of 5.00 ng/ml or higher as shown by analysis of the person’s blood, they can be convicted of Marijuana DUI in Washington State. At the moment, Marijuana is the only type of drug that has a legal limit (aside from alcohol of course), whereas any amount of the following drugs found in an analysis of a person’s blood within two hours of driving can be used by the Prosecution in charging Drug DUI in Washington State: Cocaine, Crack, Methamphetamine, Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, Opioids, etc.
An interesting component to the investigation of Marijuana and Drug DUI in Washington is law enforcement’s use of a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). The DRE, who is a law enforcement officer with specific drug impairment detection training, will be called to a scene or police station to examine the driver if they consent to speak with the DRE. The DRE then must follow a detailed and meticulous process of questioning and analysis in order to ultimately render an opinion on impairment and the drug that is suspected to have been consumed. The process with the DRE usually culminates with law enforcement seeking and obtaining a search warrant for the subject’s blood.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a Drug DUI in Seattle, you need a Criminal Defense Attorney who is well versed in these cases and who has the Results to show for it. The lawyers at Sheed Law Offices have defended these cases before and are well-versed in the unique defenses possible in order to beat these charges. Our lawyers have used their unique insight on cases of this nature to obtain the best outcomes for clients on plea bargains and have yielded verdicts of “Not Guilty” in these cases. Marijuana and Drug DUI convictions can result in harsh DUI Penalties, which is why the Seattle Marijuana Lawyers at Sheed Law Offices use their experience to fight for the best results possible for our clients. If you or a loved one are facing Marijuana DUI charges or Drug DUI charges, Contact us right now!
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