Are the Consequences Harsher for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs than Alcohol in California?

If you are stopped driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be charged with a DUI. If convicted, your final sentence will depend on several factors, the specific facts of your case and any arguments presented in your defense.

If you are arrested for driving under the influence of prescription drugs, your potential sentence may be on the lower end of the spectrum depending on additional circumstances of your arrest. For example, one of our clients was pulled over for driving under the influence, but had 0 blood alcohol content, but was on prescribed anti-depressants. He was charged with driving under the influence only, with no enhancements or additional charges.

In contrast, if you are pulled over for driving under the influence of illegal drugs: Methamphetamines, Marijuana or Cocaine, you could not only be charged with an enhanced DUI, but may be charged for multiple California offenses.

There are many different combinations of substances that you could be under the influence of while driving and each will illicit a different sentence depending on the brevity of the incident. It is possible to be charged with a DUI with no alcohol involved, just prescription drugs, illegal drugs or both.sSome cases involve an alcohol level with drugs. Those cases will have a higher range of sentencing due to multiple charges arising out of the same incident.

If you have been charged with a DUI, regardless of the circumstances it is wise to hire a knowledgeable San Diego DUI Defense attorney who has the knowledge and expertise to prepare the best possible argument in your favor!

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