A 22-year-old man from Sebastopol was recently arrested on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, methamphetamines, driving without a license, and other charges after being pulled over near Bohemian Highway. His explanation as to why he was driving erratically is that he was on his way to see Santa Claus at the North Pole. Allegedly, the man also resisted arrest and had to be cleared by medical officials before his detainment.
Although most commonly referred to as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), there is another term for driving while under the specific influence of drugs – a DUID (CA Vehicle Code 23152(a)). California law draws a distinction between driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of drugs. A ‘drug’ is thus defined as a substance other than alcohol that would prevent you from driving like any other person under normal conditions. This includes any kind of drug, whether it be an over the counter (OTC) substance, an illegal drug, or a prescription medication.
Penalties for violation of this law (even if it is a first offense) are harsh. Fines can reach $1,800 and you could spend up to 5 years in state prison, though this often depends on your prior record being taken into account. Additionally, your driver’s license will likely be suspended and you will have to complete a course at a state-approved DUI school. These are just typical penalties; however, the consequences can become even direr if your arrest constitutes a second or third offense.
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Being charged with a DUI in California is a serious matter. If you get convicted of a DUI, you spend time in jail, have your license suspended or revoked, and face significant fines and other penalties. A DUI conviction will also appear on your records, which might make it hard for you to secure housing […]
Driving under the influence has been a serious problem across the country for a long time, and it is good news that drunk driving rates have fallen significantly, particularly given the advent of ride-sharing apps. Unfortunately, there are still situations where drunk driving does occur, and everyone must understand their options if they are charged […]
Everyone needs to ensure they drive safely when they get behind the wheel of a car, which means they are not intoxicated. Even though it is good news that drunk driving rates have fallen significantly during the past few decades, it is also true that driving under the influence still happens. If you are convicted […]