Joliet Drug DUI Defense Attorney

DUI Lawyer Handling Marijuana and Prescription Drug Cases in Joliet, IL

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are not limited to cases involving alcohol impairment. In, Illinois, a person can face DUI charges for driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, prescription drugs, and other controlled substances. These cases may involve unique issues, and successfully defending against DUI charges involving drugs will require the help of a knowledgeable attorney.

Carlson Law Group, P.C. offers dedicated representation for people who are facing drug-related DUI charges in Joliet and Will County. If you have been charged with DUI related to the use of marijuana or other drugs, our experienced lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by analyzing the specifics of your case, identifying potential defenses, and advocating for your rights in court. With a deep understanding of the DUI laws in Illinois and experience as a former prosecutor and judge, Attorney Dave Carlson can help you develop an effective defense strategy.

Marijuana DUI in Illinois

In Illinois, it is legal for adults 21 and over to use marijuana for recreational purposes. The state has also approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes. However, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, and these cases are handled similarly to those involving driving under the influence of alcohol. Illinois law has set specific limits for THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) that may be present in a driver's system. The legal limit for THC is five nanograms per milliliter of blood or 10 nanograms per milliliter of other bodily fluids, such as saliva or urine.

If a police officer suspects that a driver is under the influence of marijuana, they may conduct field sobriety tests to determine whether the driver may be intoxicated. If police have probable cause to perform an arrest for DUI, a driver may be asked to submit to chemical tests to determine whether they were over the legal limit for THC while driving. Penalties for a marijuana DUI can include fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.

DUI Charges Involving Other Drugs

Driving under the influence of other drugs can also result in DUI charges. You could potentially be charged with DUI based on the use of:

• Prescription drugs: Certain types of medications can impair a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely, especially when taken in higher doses or combined with other substances. Prescription medications that can lead to DUI charges include opioid painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants. Even if a drug is legally prescribed, DUI charges may apply if the drug affects a person's ability to drive safely. Law enforcement officers may use field sobriety tests and chemical tests to determine whether prescription drugs have led to intoxication.
• Illegal controlled substances: Driving under the influence of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other narcotics is a serious offense. Illinois has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs in a driver's system, and any detectable amount can result in a DUI charge. Penalties for a DUI involving illegal drugs can be severe, including substantial fines, lengthy license suspensions, and imprisonment.
• Combinations of substances: Drugs may be combined with alcohol or other substances, and this can lead to intoxication even if one substance on its own would not have caused impairment. Combining substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, cold and flu medicines, and controlled substances can have unpredictable effects on a driver's physical and mental abilities. If there is evidence that a driver was impaired based on the substances they have used, they may face DUI charges.

Contact Our Joliet DUI Drugs Attorney

Carlson Law Group, P.C. provides dedicated representation for people who have been accused of DUI offenses involving drugs. Attorney Carlson will work with you to determine the best defense strategies, which may include challenging the reasons for a traffic stop, contesting field sobriety tests, disputing the results of post-arrest chemical tests, or demonstrating that you used prescription drugs as recommended. To get a strong defense against drug-related DUI charges, call 815-710-3700 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.