Arrested? Call on our Atlanta DUI defense attorneys!

The laws regarding driving under the influence of marijuana are very severe. Unlike other states that have passed laws to legalize marijuana and allow the usage of it for medicinal purposes, Georgia has not moved forward with any legalization action. This means that if you were suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana, you are up against serious charges and repercussions.

Up against serious charges? Contact our Atlanta DUI defense lawyers today!

When you come to The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, you can rest assured knowing you will receive topnotch legal guidance every step of your case. We can help keep you informed of the laws surrounding your case and work with you to build a strategic and effective defense.

Can I be arrested if I am not driving under the influence?

If you are found in possession of marijuana, even without being at the wheel, your driver's license can be suspended. You cannot automatically get your license back over time, as you will be required to attend a "risk reduction" program for drug offenders as well as other steps in order to get your driving privileges restored.

These are the two types of marijuana DUI charges:

• Driving under the influence of marijuana
• Driving with traces of marijuana in the system

Police officers can try to gauge whether or not you are under the influence when you are pulled over, however, there is no proven method for absolutely accuracy. For example, if they claim they can smell the substance on you or in your vehicle, it could be enough to warrant charges in many cases. However, most officers have not been given thorough training for discerning whether or not a person truly is impaired. That is why these cases are often difficult to prove, as the basis and evidence can be weak.

How Per Se Laws Affect Your Case

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana affects many functions of the brain. When you drive a car, you use many of these abilities to assist you.

Some of these functions include:

• Controlling body movements
• Coordination
• Balance
• Sensations
• General judgment

Under the influence of marijuana, an individual may not be able to operate a car as safely. Because of this, law enforcement will arrest anyone they suspect for driving under the influence of marijuana or other drugs. But what about when you only have traces of marijuana in your system from weeks past?

Per se laws mean that driving with any trace of an illegal substance in your system can make you at risk for DUI charges. Georgia is currently one of the states that operates under these laws. Since marijuana is detectible in your system for 10 to 13 days after use, this means you could be arrested days later, long after the effects have worn off.

Get Our Firm in Your Corner Today

Any type of DUI charges can have extreme repercussions on your life. When marijuana is involved, the stakes can get even higher. Our Atlanta DUI defense attorneys can use our insight and past experience to help clear your name. Do not hesitate to get our legal team on your side!

Each case has its own set of circumstances and evidence, which is why you need to call us right away so that we can determine the best defense strategy. We have been exclusively handling DUI cases for over 20 years and know what it takes to get your name cleared.

Now is the time to act; call The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson today for excellent defense!