Were you arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana in Dallas, TX? A conviction can bring jail time and a permanent criminal record, but the good news is that you still have legal rights and options. An experienced Dallas marijuana DWI lawyer at Texas Defense Firm can help you challenge your charges and protect your future.
With over 200 years of combined experience, we know how the system works and how to build defenses that stick. Contact our Dallas law office today at (469) 772-9509 to schedule a consultation.
How Texas Defense Firm Can Help if You Were Arrested for Marijuana DWI in Dallas
Prosecutors treat marijuana DWI charges aggressively in Dallas, Texas. The law fortunately mandates that every element of the charge must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This provides ample opportunity for an experienced defense attorney to mount a strong defense.
At Texas Defense Firm, our Dallas DWI lawyers have decades of courtroom experience and have taken countless cases all the way to trial. Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Investigating the circumstances of your arrest
- Reviewing police reports and body camera footage for errors
- Challenging the legality of any traffic stop or search
- Examining test results and the reliability of drug recognition experts
- Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully
- Negotiating for reduced charges or case dismissal
- Representing you in court at every stage of the process
Schedule a consultation with our Dallas criminal defense lawyers today to get started. We’re passionate about fighting for the rights of those accused of crimes and will make your case our priority from the moment you hire us.
An Overview of Marijuana DWI Under Texas Law
Texas law does not distinguish between alcohol and drugs when it comes to impaired driving. Under the Texas Penal Code, you can be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) if you:
- Do not have the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to marijuana, alcohol, or another controlled substance; OR
- Have any detectable amount of drugs in your system that affects your ability to drive
Unlike alcohol-related DWIs, where there is a defined legal limit of 0.08% blood alcohol concentration, there is no legal threshold for marijuana. This makes marijuana DWI cases highly subjective and dependent on things like officer observations and blood or urine testing.
What Are the Penalties for a Marijuana DWI Conviction in Dallas, TX?
The penalties for a marijuana DWI depend on whether it is your first offense and whether there are aggravating circumstances. Generally speaking, the punishments might look like:
- First offense: Up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, and a driver’s license suspension of up to one year.
- Second offense: Up to one year in jail, fines up to $4,000, and a license suspension of up to 2 years.
- Third offense: Felony charge with 2 to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and long-term license suspension.
Other factors, such as having a child passenger, being involved in an accident, or causing injury, can increase the charge and result in more severe penalties.
Collateral Consequences
The consequences of a marijuana DWI go beyond what the court imposes. A conviction can lead to:
- Increased car insurance premiums
- Difficulty finding or keeping employment
- Problems with professional licensing
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Lasting damage to your reputation
These consequences often outlast any jail sentence or fine, which is why fighting your charges with help from a qualified defense lawyer is so important.
What Are Common Defenses Against Marijuana DWI Charges?
To convict you of marijuana DWI, the prosecution must prove that you were impaired while driving. That’s not always as straightforward as it sounds. Some possible defenses may include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop or arrest
- Arguing that the officer’s observations were unreliable
- Demonstrating that field sobriety tests were improperly administered
- Questioning the accuracy of blood or urine test results
- Showing that marijuana detected in your system did not impair your ability to drive
- Raising reasonable doubt through witness testimony or expert analysis
Our attorneys will tailor a defense strategy to the specific facts of your case. That way, we can aim to set you up for the most favorable outcome possible, including an outright dismissal.
Contact Our DWI Law Firm in Dallas to Schedule a Consultation Today
A marijuana DWI charge in Dallas, Texas, can threaten your freedom going forward. However, it’s critical to remember that you still have time to present an effective response. The defense attorneys at Texas Defense Firm have more than 200 years of combined experience and know how to effectively fight back against these charges.
Contact our Dallas marijuana DWI attorneys today to get started with an initial consultation.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Firm in Dallas, TX
Texas Defense Firm Dallas
4100 Alpha Rd suite 476, Dallas, TX 75244
(469) 772-9509