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Marijuana DUI Defense Lawyer in Pasadena, CA

Experienced Drug Crime Lawyers

With more than 25 years of experience, our attorney has a formidable amount of experience to draw from and apply to each individual case. Matthew Cargal’s trial experience, training, and documented record of accomplishments that far exceeds that of most criminal defense lawyers in the state and in the country. Our firm knows exactly how the prosecution thinks and can build a case to protect you from a prosecutor's aggressive strategies.

At Law Offices of Matthew Cargal, we take immense pride in defending clients in situations in which the whole world seems to have turned against them. We will apply our talent and outstanding knowledge of criminal law to helping you through this very difficult time.

Drug crimes can permanently alienate you from your family and the rest of the world by burdening you with a criminal record, straining your finances with fines, and endangering your chances of finding a good job. Especially when it comes to a marijuana DUI, your driving privileges could be in danger. We are here to protect your rights and minimize any consequences that may befall you as a result of drug charges.

Facing charges for marijuana DUI? Contact us today to start discussing your options.

Marijuana DUI in California

Marijuana has been legal in California since January 1st 2018, however, it is still illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. Being found guilty of this comes with much of the same prison time, fines, rehabilitation requirements, and license suspension that is associated with alcohol related DUIs. These penalties can also come with other, more severe, charges if anyone was hurt or killed when intoxicated behind the wheel.

However, unlike alcohol it is difficult to prove the amount of marijuana in an individual’s system, or if their abilities were even impaired because unlike alcohol there is no legal limit to marijuana. This is especially true since marijuana is difficult to nail down when it comes to the strength of a specific strain.

So in many cases a prosecutor will try to convict an individual with the presences of drug paraphernalia in the suspect’s possession, how they did on their field sobriety test, and any physical symptoms that the suspect experienced at the time of arrests (like dry mouth, dilated pupils, or the odor of marijuana on the individual).

To get the best possible outcome in your marijuana dui case, do not entrust your future to inadequate legal representation. Our firm stands at the top, and with our unparalleled knowledge, skill, and experience, we can help ensure you are treated fairly and receive the outcome best suited to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana DUI in California


What is the Legal Definition of Marijuana DUI in California?

According to state law, it is against the law for an individual to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any drug, no matter if it is illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter. A marijuana DUI suspect’s mental or physical abilities must be so impaired by pot that he/she cannot operate the vehicle with the same amount of caution a sober person would do so under similar circumstances.

What if I have a medical marijuana prescription?

Having a medical marijuana prescription doesn’t provide a pass for driving under the influence. Since you could be charged with a DUID for being under the influence of prescription medication, this includes medical marijuana.

Is there a legal limit for cannabis consumption in California?

Unlike alcohol, there is no “legal limit” for pot in California since there are no reliable chemical tests available to check a person’s THC level and experts cannot determine the amount of cannabis that would result in impairment.

Instead of chemical tests, law enforcement and the prosecution can use the suspect’s driving patterns, statements to police officers, field sobriety test (FST) results, and physical symptoms of intoxication (e.g. red eyes, odor of cannabis coming from the suspect’s body or vehicle, dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, delayed reaction time, etc.) against him/her in court.

What are Drug Recognition Experts (DREs)?

Although evidence of a suspect’s impairment is often established by the arresting officer’s testimony, some law enforcement agencies request assistance from a “Drug Recognition Expert” (DRE). These law enforcement officials are trained to perform tests and identify drug-related impairment. In court, the DRE will testify about his/her qualifications and training, then testify about the evaluation process during the suspect’s DUI investigation to conclude how the driver was impaired.

What are the penalties for a Marijuana DUI in California?

For a first-time offense, a marijuana DUI conviction in California is punishable by a jail term of up to six months, a maximum $1,000 fine, and up to six months of driver’s license suspension.

At The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal, we have helped many clients obtain successful outcomes when facing marijuana DUI and DUID charges. Contact a Pasadena drug crime attorney if you stand accused of a marijuana DUI.