Getting stopped for a marijuana DUI in Savannah, Georgia, can be a nerve-wracking experience. Your mind races with questions –
Will I lose my license?
Will I face jail time? What’s going to happen next?
The truth is, a marijuana DUI is serious. It can affect your freedom, your finances, and even your job. But here’s something you need to remember – getting charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty.
You have options, and you have rights. The key is knowing how to handle the situation and working with the right DUI lawyer in Savannah GA to fight the charges. Let’s walk through the steps you should take to protect yourself and build a strong defense.
Step 1. Take a breath – know what you are up against
First things first, let’s talk about what a marijuana DUI really means. Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, where a breath test gives clear results, marijuana DUIs rely on much murkier evidence. THC, the active compound in marijuana, can stay in your system for weeks. That’s right – weeks!
Let’s say – You smoked marijuana days ago, and you’re completely sober now. But during a traffic stop, a blood or urine test could still show THC in your system. That’s not fair, right? Unfortunately, Georgia’s laws don’t distinguish between recent use and impairment at the time of driving. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced marijuana DUI attorney who understands the science behind these tests and how to challenge their reliability.
Step 2. Stay calm and quiet during the traffic stop
When an officer pulls you over, it’s easy to panic. But staying calm is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Hand over your license and registration as requested, but avoid answering questions about marijuana use.
For example – if the officer asks, “Have you smoked recently?” you don’t have to respond. Politely say something like, “I’d like to speak with my marijuana DUI attorney before answering any questions.” This isn’t about being rude or difficult; it’s about protecting your rights.
Also, remember that field sobriety tests aren’t mandatory in Georgia. You can respectfully decline to take these tests. They’re subjective and often inaccurate, especially if you’re nervous or have medical conditions that affect your balance or coordination.
Step 3. Understand the evidence against you
In a marijuana DUI case, the prosecution will rely on a mix of evidence to try to prove impairment. This might include:
Field sobriety tests. These tests are supposed to measure impairment, but they’re often unreliable. Things like anxiety, poor lighting, or uneven pavement can cause you to fail.
Blood or urine tests. These tests show whether THC is present in your system, but they don’t prove when you consumed marijuana. If you’re a regular user, THC could show up even if you haven’t smoked in days.
Probable cause for the stop. The officer must have had a valid reason to pull you over. If they didn’t, any evidence they gathered might not be admissible in court.
An experienced marijuana DUI attorney will carefully review this evidence to identify weaknesses in the case against you.
Step 4. Medical marijuana could be a factor
Do you have a medical marijuana card? If so, this could play an important role in your defense. While having a card doesn’t give you the right to drive while impaired, it does help explain why THC was in your system.
Your marijuana DUI attorney can use this information to argue that you weren’t impaired, just that you had legally consumed marijuana at some point. The key is separating legal use from impairment while driving, which is where a skilled attorney comes in.
Step 5. Build a strong defense strategy
Every marijuana DUI case is unique, which means your defense strategy needs to be tailored to your situation. Here are some common approaches that a marijuana DUI attorney might use.
Challenge the officer’s observations
Officers often rely on observations like red eyes or the smell of marijuana to claim impairment. But these signs aren’t definitive proof. Red eyes could be caused by allergies, and the smell of marijuana doesn’t mean you’re high.
Question the accuracy of tests
Blood and urine tests aren’t foolproof. Labs can make mistakes, and THC levels don’t directly correlate with impairment. Your attorney can bring in experts to challenge the reliability of these tests.
Highlight alternative explanations
Your attorney might argue that other factors, like fatigue or medical conditions, explain any behavior the officer interpreted as impairment.
Focus on lack of evidence
The burden of proof is on the prosecution. If they can’t clearly demonstrate that you were impaired while driving, your attorney can argue that the charges should be dismissed.
Step 6. The importance of hiring a marijuana DUI attorney
Here’s the honest truth: fighting a marijuana DUI on your own is tough. Georgia’s DUI laws are complex, and prosecutors take these cases seriously. That’s why having a skilled marijuana DUI attorney by your side is essential.
Your attorney can
Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
Challenge unreliable evidence.
Represent you in court and advocate for your rights.
The right attorney knows how to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage.
Step 7. Understand the stakes
Let’s not sugarcoat it—a marijuana DUI conviction can have serious consequences. These might include –
Fines that drain your bank account.
Jail time, even if it’s just a few days.
A suspended driver’s license, making it harder to get to work.
Mandatory DUI education programs.
A permanent mark on your record that could affect future job opportunities
But remember, these outcomes aren’t guaranteed. With a strong defense and the right marijuana DUI attorney, you can fight to minimize or even avoid these penalties.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been charged with a marijuana DUI in Savannah, Georgia, don’t wait to take action. The decisions you make now will affect the rest of your case. Reach out to an experienced marijuana DUI attorney as soon as possible to start building your defense.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right strategy and legal help, you can fight back and work toward the best possible outcome. Remember, a DUI charge isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of a process where you can stand up for yourself and your rights.
Take control of your future. Contact a trusted marijuana DUI attorney today to get started.
