The devastating consequences and severe legal punishments for drunk driving are widely known. However, many people don’t consider that they can also get in legal trouble for driving under the influence of controlled substances, including marijuana. Under Maryland DUI laws, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. While the use of medical marijuana is permitted in certain situations, it’s unlawful to drive while impaired by marijuana.

Often, Individuals arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana have never been in trouble with the law before their DUI arrest. However, a marijuana-related DUI can lead to severe consequences that interrupt everyday life beyond just a license suspension. If you’ve been arrested for a marijuana DUI charge in Baltimore, you need experienced legal aid on your side as early as possible.

Evidence in Marijuana DUI Cases vs. Alcohol-Based Cases

DUI laws in Maryland and across the country exist because society recognizes that those who drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs put everyone’s lives on the road at risk. Over the years, lawmakers have lowered the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit to 0.08 percent. However, marijuana doesn’t affect BAC. When a driver doesn’t exhibit signs of impairment by alcohol, law enforcement needs compelling evidence to show that they were driving impaired under the influence of marijuana.

A chemical test can trace marijuana in a person’s system, but this doesn’t reveal whether they smoked or ingested the drug right before driving versus 30 days prior due to the time that it stays in a person’s system. The arresting officer must demonstrate that the driver was under the influence of marijuana at that time.

Drug recognition evaluator (DRE) experts attest that they believe someone to be driving drugged while under the influence of marijuana. Still, they cannot technically detect which drug is present and to what degree. Unlike an alcohol DUI, there is no state standard for chemical sobriety tests for marijuana. 

How a Marijuana DUI Can Affect Your Life 

A marijuana DUI is a serious crime that can be detrimental to your reputation and work opportunities. Even if your marijuana DUI case doesn’t result in a conviction, the charge may still show up in background checks and negatively impact your career.

If it’s your first experience with Maryland’s penal system, there are several legal challenges you may encounter during the progression of your case. By partnering with an experienced Baltimore marijuana DUI lawyer, you can be confident they’ll do what’s necessary to defend you against criminal allegations and help preserve your clean driving record. A skilled marijuana DUI attorney will fight to keep the marijuana DUI charge off your criminal record and prevent the suspension of your driver’s license.  

Penalties for a First Maryland Marijuana DUI Conviction 

Suppose you show signs that you’re driving under the influence of marijuana, such as braking erratically or having impaired balance or speech. In that case, you can be arrested for a marijuana DUI in Maryland.

A first-time marijuana DUI may lead to: 

• Up to one (1) year in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• License suspension of up to 45 days
• Mandatory completion of a drug/alcohol education program

If a minor was in the car during the DUI arrest, the penalties of incarceration and fines may double.

Second Marijuana DUI Conviction Penalties in Maryland

The penalties grow more severe for a second marijuana DUI arrest in Maryland. If convicted, you may face the following consequences:

• Up to two (2) years in jail
• A fine of up to $2,000
• License suspension of 90 days
• Mandatory completion of a drug/alcohol education program

These penalties are enhanced to three (3) years in jail and a fine of $3,000 if a minor was found in the vehicle when the second marijuana DUI arrest was made.

By retaining an experienced marijuana DUI lawyer, you have the best chance to reduce the DUI charge to a lesser offense and lessen the potential penalties. Speak to a Maryland marijuana DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest to learn your legal options in your specific case.

Hire an Experienced Marijuana DUI Lawyer in Baltimore for Help 

Driving under the influence of marijuana is a severe charge in Maryland. Even if it’s your first marijuana DUI, you can face harsh penalties and stain your criminal record, which will follow you for years. You don’t have to confront this difficult situation alone. Speak with an experienced Baltimore marijuana DUI defense attorney who can identify critical steps to take even before the prosecution formally files criminal charges against you.

One wrong decision does not have to impact your life for years to come. Baltimore marijuana DUI lawyer Hillel Traub is an accomplished criminal and traffic lawyer with over 25 years of experience. As a former attorney for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, he knows the local courts. When you partner with The Law Office of Hillel Traub, you can rest assured that he will fight to defend you in court, preserve your driving privileges, and safeguard your professional and personal reputation. To speak with Attorney Hillel Traub about your marijuana DUI, schedule a free consultation by completing our contact form or calling 410-580-1100.

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