California uses charges of driving under the influence (DUI) to prosecutes drivers who operate a vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Sometimes, drivers can even face DUI charges for driving after using a prescription medication, like Xanax.
You can review Xanax DUI charges right here with the Simmrin Law Group. Review charges used to prosecute driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). Consider legal defenses to DUID charges in California by calling (310) 997-4688.
Review the Effects and Uses of Xanax
Alprazolam (sold under the brand name Xanax) is a medication commonly prescribed by medical professionals to individuals with:
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic attacks
- Depression-related anxiety
Some individuals also use Xanax without a prescription, as a recreational drug, though this is not a legal usage of the substance. Xanax should only be taken if an individual has a prescription from a doctor. In either case, Xanax can:
- Give users a relaxed feeling
- Slow reaction times
- Impair a driver’s judgment
For all of the above reasons, it is highly advised that individuals who are using Xanax refrain from driving their vehicles. Note also that an individual can face drug possession charges if they use Xanax without a prescription.
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Charges for DUIs Involving Xanax in California
Drivers who take Xanax before getting behind the wheel may face a number of criminal charges. The most common charge will be Driving Under the Influence of Drugs under Vehicle Code Section 23152(f). However, drivers can also face charges for:
- Vehicle Code Section 23152(c): Driving While Addicted
- Vehicle Code Section 23152(g): Driving Under the Combined Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
All of the above charges are treated as DUIs by the state of California. They can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon a driver’s prior criminal history and the situation surrounding their current charge.
Any DUI charge in California should be treated seriously. Drivers can get help building their case by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles immediately after an arrest. Call (310) 997-4688 to speak to a legal professional right now about Xanax DUI defenses.
Penalties for a Xanax DUI Conviction in California
As we mentioned previously, drivers can face misdemeanor or felony charges for a Xanax DUI. Most of the time, VC 23152(f) will be treated as a misdemeanor by the court system. Drivers convicted of a misdemeanor DUID in California can face:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Jail time of up to six months
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation of up to five years
Note that all DUIs in California are priorable, including charges for a Xanax DUI. This means that if a driver is convicted of a subsequent DUI offense, the penalties will increase, even if they are still charged with a misdemeanor.
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Felony Charges for a Xanax DUI in California
Felony charges for a DUID in California are handled more seriously by the court system. Generally, drivers will only be charged with a felony for a Xanax DUI if they have multiple prior DUI convictions or if they caused an injury to someone while driving under the influence. A felony conviction can lead to:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Prison time of up to four years
- A license revocation in some cases
All Xanax DUI charges in California can have serious repercussions if a driver is convicted. Getting help from legal professionals right away can improve a driver’s odds of successfully resolving a DUID accusation.
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Defenses for Xanax DUI Charges in Los Angeles
You do not have to just accept a Xanax DUI conviction in the state of California. A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles may be able to build a defense for you, starting right now. Your lawyer could argue that:
You Were Not Impaired by Xanax
If you have a legitimate prescription, you are legally allowed to take Xanax in California. You may even be able to drive your vehicle safely if you take the drug in low, specified amounts. If you were not impaired by the substance, you could avoid a DUID conviction.
You Were Stopped Without Reasonable Cause
Law enforcement officers should only stop drivers who are driving in an erratic or suspicious way. If you were stopped and arrested without due cause, it could allow a lawyer to get your charges dismissed.
Call a Lawyer for Help with Xanax DUI Charges
The Simmrin Law Group can help if you were charged with a Xanax DUI in California. You can get professional help right away by calling us at (310) 997-4688 or completing our online contact form. Allow us to assess your legal needs today.
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