DUID Attorney in Long Beach

Drug DUI Charges and Your Next Steps

If you were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in the Long Beach area, you are dealing with more than just a traffic ticket. A DUID arrest can threaten your driver’s license, your record, and your future. You may be unsure whether a DUID attorney can really help or what you should do first.

At Gold & Witham, we focus our practice on DUI defense, including DUID and drug intoxication cases. Our attorneys, Jeffrey Gold and Nigel Witham, bring over 40 years of combined experience to every case. We work closely with our clients to understand what happened, explain the process, and build a plan that fits their situation.

Driving under the influence of drugs can bring harsh penalties. Get a strong defense from an experienced DUID attorney in Long Beach. Call (800) 716-6791 or contact us.

Why Choose Our DUID Defense in Long Beach

What Happens After A Drug DUI Arrest

Understanding what typically happens after a DUID arrest can reduce some of the stress you are feeling now. In many cases, people are stopped on surface streets or freeways in and around Long Beach by local police, the California Highway Patrol, or other law enforcement. If officers suspect drug impairment, they may conduct field sobriety tests, call a drug recognition evaluator, and request a blood or urine sample.

After arrest, you are usually released with a citation or booking paperwork that lists a court date. For arrests in this part of Los Angeles County, that date is often set at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse in Long Beach, although specific locations can vary. You may also receive a notice related to your California DMV driving privilege. The DMV often starts a separate administrative process that can lead to license suspension unless you act quickly.

Many people are surprised to learn that the DMV case and the criminal court case are separate. The DMV process looks at driving privileges, while the court case focuses on criminal charges under California Vehicle Code provisions related to DUI drugs. Both can have serious consequences. Missing a deadline with either can limit your options, which is why contacting a DUID lawyer promptly is so important.

At our firm, we talk with clients about these steps and how they apply to their specific situation. We can explain what typically happens at an arraignment in the Long Beach courthouse, what to expect from a DMV hearing, and how the timing of lab results and police reports may affect your case. Knowing the roadmap can make this process feel less overwhelming.

Defending Against DUID and Drug Intoxication

Drug-related DUI charges require a different approach than alcohol based cases. There is no universal legal limit for most substances, and a positive test does not automatically prove impairment. Our role is to break down the state’s evidence piece by piece and determine whether it truly supports the accusation.

• Legality of the Traffic Stop: We begin by analyzing why you were stopped. If law enforcement did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause, certain evidence may be challenged or excluded. An unlawful stop can significantly affect the direction of a DUID case.
• Officer Observations and Field Sobriety Tests: Prosecutors often rely on how an officer described your driving, speech, balance, or appearance. We examine whether field sobriety tests were administered properly and whether factors such as fatigue, medical conditions, stress, or anxiety may explain the observations labeled as impairment.
• Blood and Urine Testing Procedures: Testing is central to many drug DUI cases. Samples must be properly collected, stored, and analyzed. We review the chain of custody, lab methods, timing of the test, and any inconsistencies in reporting. Even small procedural errors can raise questions about reliability.
• Understanding the Substance Involved: DUID charges may involve marijuana, prescription medications, illegal drugs, or a combination of substances. Each presents different scientific and legal issues.
• Tailored Defense Strategy: We shape the defense around both the evidence and your priorities, whether that involves protecting your license, your career, or minimizing long-term consequences.

Drug DUI allegations can feel technical and overwhelming. Our focus is to examine the details carefully, explain your options clearly, and build a defense strategy that reflects both the science and the human side of your case.

Consequences of DUID Charges and How We Help You Respond

Most people search for a DUID lawyer in Long Beach because they are worried about what a conviction could do to their life. In California, penalties for a DUID conviction can include license suspension, fines, probation, mandatory education programs, and, in some cases, jail time. The exact outcome depends on factors such as prior DUI history, whether anyone was injured, and the specific charges filed in court.

Beyond formal penalties, a DUID conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, immigration status, and auto insurance costs. For drivers who commute in and around Long Beach, even a temporary loss of driving privileges can create serious problems for work and family responsibilities. These are real concerns, and it is understandable to feel overwhelmed by them.

Our role is to help you respond in a thoughtful and informed way rather than out of fear. We review the charges, your background, and the available evidence to give you a clearer picture of the risks you are facing. We then talk with you about possible strategies, which may include challenging aspects of the case, seeking reduced charges, or presenting strong mitigation if the evidence appears difficult to overcome.

Even though we cannot control every factor in a criminal case, we can control how carefully we review your file, how thoroughly we prepare, and how clearly we communicate with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my license after a DUID arrest?

You may face a separate DMV action that can lead to license suspension. Whether that happens can depend on the facts of your case and whether a hearing is requested in time. We can explain typical DMV procedures in California and help you understand what options may be available.

How is a drug DUI different from an alcohol DUI?

A drug DUI does not usually involve a simple legal limit like alcohol. Instead, prosecutors rely on test results, officer observations, and driving patterns to claim impairment. That creates more room to examine how tests were done and whether the evidence truly shows you were unsafe to drive.

Can I be charged for driving on prescriptions?

Yes, you can be charged if an officer believes a prescription affected your ability to drive safely. Medical and prescription issues are often complex. We review your medications, dosage, and any medical conditions, then look at how that information fits with the reports and test results in your case.

How quickly should I contact a DUID attorney?

It is wise to contact an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest. DMV deadlines can come up quickly, and early legal advice helps you avoid missteps. We talk with clients about timing for hearings, court dates, and evidence, then work to act promptly on their behalf.

What will working with your firm look like?

When you contact us, you can expect a conversation focused on your situation, not a scripted response. Our attorneys review your paperwork, listen to your concerns, and outline possible next steps. We work to keep you informed throughout the case so you know what is happening and why.

Let a strategic DUID attorney in Long Beach challenge the charges against you. Contact Gold & Witham or call (800) 716-6791 today.