El Segundo DUID Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights After a Drug-Related DUI Arrest in El Segundo, CA

If you've been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in El Segundo, the consequences can be just as serious—if not more severe—than alcohol-related DUI charges. Whether you were using prescription medications, recreational marijuana, or illegal narcotics, a conviction can result in jail time, fines, a suspended license, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

At Gold & Witham, we understand how overwhelming a DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) charge can be. Our experienced El Segundo DUID lawyer is ready to stand by your side, investigate the facts of your case, and fight aggressively to protect your freedom and future.

To schedule a free initial consultation, call (800) 716-6791 or contact us online today.

Common Types of Drugs Involved in DUID Cases

Many people mistakenly believe that DUI charges only apply to alcohol consumption. In California, however, any substance that impairs your ability to drive safely can lead to a DUID arrest—including legal drugs.

• Prescription Medications: Drugs like Xanax, Ambien, Vicodin, and OxyContin can impair coordination, focus, and reaction time. Even if you have a valid prescription, you can still be arrested if the medication affects your ability to drive safely.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Medications like Benadryl, cough syrups, and sleep aids can also cause drowsiness or confusion. These substances, while easily available, may still lead to DUID charges.
• Marijuana: Though recreational cannabis use is legal in California for adults, driving under its influence is not. Law enforcement often uses field sobriety tests and Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to assess impairment, but THC levels in the blood don’t always correlate directly with impairment.
• Illegal Drugs: Cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, LSD, and other street drugs are common substances involved in drug-related DUI arrests. These drugs can cause extreme impairment and carry harsh penalties.

California Drug-Related DUI Laws

California Vehicle Code §23152(f) makes it unlawful to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any drug—legal or illegal—that affects your ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Key points under California DUID laws:

• No specific legal limit: Unlike alcohol DUIs with a 0.08% BAC threshold, drug DUIs do not have a numerical threshold. Officers must rely on observations, field sobriety tests, and blood tests.
• Drug Recognition Experts (DREs): Many officers are trained to assess drug impairment using a 12-step DRE evaluation process, which includes examining pupil size, heart rate, muscle tone, and other physical symptoms.
• Blood tests over breath tests: Since drugs do not appear on standard breathalyzer tests, blood samples are typically used to determine drug presence.

Being charged with a DUID does not mean you're guilty. There are many possible defenses, and our El Segundo DUID lawyer can challenge the validity of the stop, the testing process, the DRE’s evaluation, and more.

Penalties for a Drug DUI in California

The penalties for a DUID conviction in California are similar to those for alcohol-related DUIs and increase with each subsequent offense.

First Offense

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines between $390 and $1,000
• License suspension for up to 6 months
• Mandatory DUI education program
• Probation for 3 to 5 years

Second or Subsequent Offenses

• Longer jail sentences
• Longer license suspensions or revocations
• Ignition interlock device (IID) installation
• Increased fines and penalties

In cases involving injury, refusal to submit to testing, or drug combinations, the charges can become felonies, which may result in state prison time.

DUID FAQs

Can I be charged with a DUID for taking my prescription medication?

Yes. Even if the medication is legally prescribed, if it impairs your ability to drive, you can still be charged with a DUID.

How do police test for drugs during a traffic stop?

Police may use field sobriety tests and call in a Drug Recognition Expert. If they suspect impairment, they may require a blood test to check for drugs in your system.

Is marijuana treated the same as alcohol in DUID cases?

Not exactly. There is no set legal THC limit like there is for alcohol. However, if an officer believes marijuana has impaired your driving, you can still be arrested and charged.

Can I refuse a drug test?

Refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest can lead to automatic license suspension and increased penalties. California’s implied consent law requires you to submit to chemical testing.

What if this is my first offense?

First-time DUID offenders can still face jail time, fines, and license suspension. However, there may be options for reduced charges or diversion programs with the help of a qualified El Segundo DUID lawyer.

How Gold & Witham Can Help

A drug DUI arrest doesn’t have to ruin your future. At Gold & Witham, we understand the complexities of DUID law and are ready to fight for your rights. Whether you were arrested for driving under the influence of prescription medication, marijuana, or any other substance, we offer aggressive, results-driven defense tailored to your case.

Our El Segundo DUID attorneys examine every aspect of your case, including:

• The legality of the traffic stop
• Accuracy and procedures of the blood test
• The credibility and qualifications of the DRE
• The timing between drug consumption and driving
• Any medical explanations for your behavior or test results

Contact us today at (800) 716-6791 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced El Segundo DUID lawyer, and take the first step toward protecting your freedom, license, and record.