Pennsylvania is now the 24th state to legalize medical cannabis, which now means that over half of the American population now has legal access to some form of marijuana, though use is restricted to patients who are diagnosed with one of 17 specific diseases and disorders, such as Epilepsy or Glaucoma. Unfortunately, the new laws will not effect the prosecution of Marijuana related DUI charges. If you are dealing with current charges, an experienced Pennsylvania criminal lawyer can help you significantly minimize or eliminate any legal actions the state may be taken against you by the state.

Prosecution of Marijuana Related DUIs

While the door to legal recreational marijuana may have cracked open in Pennsylvania, non-medical use is still illegal under both state and federal law. The on the book policies regarding marijuana related to DUI cases remains unchanged. If you have been charged with a DUI from the use of marijuana, also known as Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, or a DUID, you may still face very serious repercussions. Consulting a Pennsylvania criminal lawyer will help you understand how the law applies to your specific situation.

Pennsylvania prosecutes DUI and DUID cases very similarly, and include some of the strictest policies in the country. Under Pennsylvania’s “per se” limit, you can be convicted of a DUID if you have 5 nanograms per milliliter of THC in your system. Even if you are not tested, an officer may issue an arrest based on indications such as high blood pressure and pulse readings, dilated pupils and field sobriety tests.

Your Next Step

Even if you are arrested and charged, there is still hope. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania, like Michael Applebaum, can help you aggressively combat charges, and many will provide a free initial consultation. Investing in your own legal representation may help you avoid thousands of dollars in fines, as well as possible felony convictions and state prison time, depending on the severity of the charge.