16 Jun What are the Marijuana DUI Laws in Arizona?
Just as Arizona has some of the harshest laws in the country when it comes to DUI’s involving alcohol, it is equally severe when it comes to marijuana–if not even more so. Not only that, you will likely be charged with other crimes like possession in addition to DUI, due to marijuana’s illicit drug status if you do not possess a medical marijuana card.
Even if you do possess a medical marijuana card, you can still be charged with DUI if you drive after smoking or ingesting the drug. In fact, Arizona law states that “It is unlawful to drive a vehicle (1) while under the influence of any substance that impairs the driver’s mental or physical faculties or (2) while there is any drug or its metabolite in the person’s body.” Which means that you can be charged with DUI if the drug is present in your body even if you are not in any way impaired.
Penalties for DUI in Arizona can include:
- Your first conviction can come with a minimum of 10 days in jail and fines starting at $1,250. You may also be required to attend a drug treatment program, have your license suspended, up to 5 years of probation, community service or be ordered to attach an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
- Your second conviction–if it is within 84 months–comes with a minimum of 90 days in jail, fines starting at $3,000, a minimum of 30 hours of community service, an ignition interlock device and 1 year license suspension.
- Your third or subsequent conviction comes with a minimum of four months in prison, fines as high as $150,000, up to five years of probation, a 3 year license suspension and the possibility of additional penalties.
If you are being charged with DUI in Phoenix or have questions about marijuana DUI laws in Arizona, contact certified criminal law specialist Todd Coolidge today! 480-264-5111
*The information in this blog is for general information purposes only. This blog post should not be taken to constitute a formal recommendation or professional advice. We exclude all representations, warranties, legal liability or responsibility relating to its content.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/16/2016) Chuck Grimmett (Flickr)