Are you wondering if you can get charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after using Xanax? In California, you could face DUID charges, conviction, and possibly jail time if you take Xanax and then get behind the wheel.
Learn more about DUID charges in California by reading this article. Discover the possible effects of a Xanax-related DUID conviction and consider options for handling your legal defense.
Information About the Effects of Xanax on Drivers
Xanax is a prescription medication often used to treat individuals who experience anxiety disorders. It is considered an anti-anxiety medication and includes benzodiazepines. When working correctly, Xanax may help you feel calm or relaxed and can help if you are dealing with insomnia.
Unfortunately, taking Xanax before driving may make a driver overly relaxed. Sedation could slow your reaction time, resulting in dangerous driving.
Xanax, however, is only one example of an anti-anxiety medication. You may also face DUID charges if you got behind the wheel after taking medications like Ativan or Valium. Reach out to a DUID lawyer right away after an arrest by calling (310) 896-2723.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Criminal Charges Associated with Driving on Xanax
You can face criminal charges if you are accused of driving after using Xanax. Generally, the state of California uses Vehicle Code Section 23152(f) to prosecute Xanax-related DUIDs.
VC 23152(f) can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony; however, most of the time, this charge will function as a misdemeanor charge. However, you could face felony charges if you have multiple past DUIs on your record. You may also face felony charges if you were involved in a DUID accident.
Note that all DUIs in California are priorable which means they stay on your driving record, generally for 10 years. You face increased penalties each time you are convicted of a DUI or a DUID.
Results of a DUID Conviction for Using Xanax
As we mentioned, DUID charges may get treated like misdemeanors California. A conviction for a DUID involving Xanax could result in the following penalties:
- Thousands of dollars in fines.
- Jail time of up to six months.
- Probation of up to five years.
- Restrictions on your driver’s license.
These penalties could increase if you are accused of a subsequent DUID. For example, you may face up to one year of jail time for a second DUI or DUID conviction. You could even end up facing felony charges if you have three prior DUI convictions on your record.
DUID Arrests for Xanax Usage in California
Begin working on your defense immediately after you are arrested for a DUID. A police officer may have you perform a number of tests to measure your sobriety. You may be asked to walk in a straight line, for example.
Police officers may also perform blood or urine drug testing after you are arrested. All drivers in California give implied consent to complete these tests. You could face legal penalties if you refuse a lawfully ordered test.
Even if a test comes back positive for the presence of Xanax, a lawyer can help you dispute the results. For example, your lawyer might try to show that even though Xanax was present in your blood, you were not under the influence at the time of your arrest.
Your lawyer could also work to dispute your charges by showing that the police officer stopped you without due cause. He or she could also block evidence against you which might allow your lawyer to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Many DUID charges in California are resolved outside of court. However, some cases go before a judge and jury. Call a member of the Simmrin Law Group to help you in this situation.
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Call a Lawyer if You Got a DUI for Driving on Xanax
If you get a DUID for driving after taking Xanax, get help on your side from the Simmrin Law Group. We’re prepared to start on your defense today. Contact us to review your situation with a free consultation.
Contact us by calling (310) 896-2723 or complete our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form