Medicinal marijuana is legal in the state of New York, and as of 2014, the NYPD stopped arresting offenders for possession of recreational marijuana and started issuing tickets instead, according to The New York Times. Despite this move toward decriminalization, though, it is important to remember that driving while under the influence of marijuana is incredibly dangerous and still brings with it harsh penalties.
If you are facing charges for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. A compassionate White Plains criminal attorney, Mr. DeUrso will give your case the attention that it deserves. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation.
Drugged Driving Stats
Police across the country take drugged driving seriously regardless of the legal status of marijuana in their state because individuals who drive under the influence of marijuana endanger everyone on the road around them. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, after alcohol, marijuana is the most common substance that police find in drivers involved in collisions; however, researchers are still determining the role that marijuana plays in car crashes.
For a First Offense
If police accuse you of driving under the influence of marijuana, you will face the same penalties as those whom they catch driving under the influence of alcohol. Section 1192 of New York state law regulates all forms of impaired driving. For a first offense, that means you are facing:
- Up to 12 months in jail;
- A fine of between $500 and $1,000;
- And a six-month license suspension.
Subsequent Offenses
If police arrest you for driving under the influence of marijuana and you have had a DWI conviction within the last 10 years, you could be facing harsher penalties. In some cases, the look-back period can be as short as four years or as long as 25 years, though, so talk to a criminal attorney to confirm the severity of your situation. Second offense DWI penalties include:
- Up to four years in jail;
- A fine of between $1,000 and $5,000;
- And a one-year license revocation.
Third-time offenders face even harsher penalties, and if police find marijuana in your possession at the time of your arrest, you could also face penalties for possession. Depending on how much marijuana police find on you, you could be facing felony charges and up to 15 years in prison.
If police have accused you of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is important to take the charges seriously. A DWI conviction could have a lasting impact on your future housing opportunities and employment prospects, so it is important to do everything you can to build a solid defense from the start.
Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law is a White Plains criminal lawyer who always keeps his clients’ best interests in mind when representing them in court. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with an experienced DUI attorney in New York.