Orange County DUID Lawyer

Representing Clients Facing Drug-Related DUI Charges Across Orange County, CA

If you've been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) in Orange County, the consequences can be serious and life-changing. Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, drug DUIs often involve more complex legal and scientific issues, including blood tests, officer opinion, and drug recognition evaluations.

At Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc., our experienced Orange County DUID lawyers understand what it takes to challenge drug DUI charges. Whether you were accused of driving under the influence of prescription medication, marijuana, or illicit drugs, we are prepared to fight for your rights and your future.

Call (949) 694-8804 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Orange County DUID attorney.

How Drugs Affect Your Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs—whether legal or illegal—can significantly impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. This impairment might not be as easy to measure as alcohol intoxication, but it can still affect essential functions like:

• Reaction time
• Judgment
• Coordination
• Focus and alertness
• Motor control

Drugs can impair driving differently depending on the substance. For instance, stimulants may cause aggressive or reckless driving, while depressants may slow down reaction time and cause drowsiness. Unlike a breathalyzer for alcohol, detecting impairment from drugs often requires more subjective assessments or blood testing.

Common Types of Drugs in DUID Cases

In California, a person can be arrested for a DUID for driving under the influence of any drug—not just illegal substances. Here are the most common drugs involved in Orange County DUID cases:

• Marijuana (THC): With recreational marijuana being legal in California, many drivers mistakenly assume they can drive after using cannabis. However, if an officer believes you are impaired by THC—even slightly—you can still be arrested for a DUID.
• Prescription Medications: You can be charged with DUID even if you were using medications legally. Common prescription drugs involved in DUID charges include Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, Ambien, Oxycodone, Adderall, Codeine
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Even non-prescription drugs like sleep aids or allergy medications can cause drowsiness and impaired driving.
• Illicit Drugs: Illegal substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and LSD are also commonly involved in DUID arrests.

California Drug-Related DUI Laws

In California, drug DUIs fall under Vehicle Code Section 23152(f), which states:

“It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any drug to drive a vehicle.”

California does not set a per se limit (like the 0.08% BAC limit for alcohol). Instead, the prosecution must prove that:

• You consumed or were under the influence of a drug; and
• That drug impaired your ability to drive like a sober person under similar circumstances.

This gives prosecutors more flexibility but also gives defense attorneys more room to challenge the evidence. At Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc., we examine every aspect of the arrest, including:

• Validity of the traffic stop
• Law enforcement’s training as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE)
• Accuracy of blood or urine testing
• Chain of custody issues
• We work to suppress weak or illegally obtained evidence and fight to get charges reduced or dismissed.

FAQs About DUID in Orange County, CA

Can I get a DUID for using legal prescription drugs?

Yes. Even if a doctor prescribed the drug, you can still be arrested for DUID if the medication impairs your ability to drive safely.

Is there a legal limit for marijuana like there is for alcohol?

No. California does not have a set THC limit. DUID cases are based on impairment, which can be subjective and often challenged in court.

What are the penalties for a first-time DUID in California?

A first DUID offense may include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Mandatory DUI education program
• License suspension
• Probation

Penalties increase with prior offenses or aggravating circumstances like accidents or minors in the vehicle.

Will I lose my license after a DUID arrest?

Yes, your license may be suspended. You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest the suspension.

Can a DUID charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, depending on the strength of the evidence and legal issues in your case. Common strategies include challenging the officer’s observations, questioning the reliability of tests, and negotiating for lesser charges like wet reckless.

Why Hire Our Orange County DUID Attorney?

When facing a DUID charge, experience matters. At Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc., we bring a deep understanding of California DUI law and the specific challenges associated with drug-related charges. Our team is committed to:

• Conducting a thorough review of your case
• Challenging unreliable chemical tests and arrest procedures
• Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges
• Defending you in court with aggressive, strategic advocacy

We serve clients across Orange County, including Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, and beyond.

For additional information or to arrange a consultation, please contact us today at (949) 694-8804.