Los Angeles DUI and Cocaine
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Los Angeles DUI and Cocaine
Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) is scary enough, but when cocaine is involved, it can make the situation much more complicated. Cocaine is an illegal drug, so a DUI involving cocaine becomes a drug offense on top of a DUI charge. This article will break down how cocaine DUIs work in Los Angeles, the penalties you may face, and some tips on finding a good lawyer to help you through the process.
How Do Cocaine DUIs Work?
In California, it’s illegal to drive if you’re impaired by any drug, whether it’s illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter. So even if you have a prescription for the drug, you can still get a DUI if it affects your driving ability [3]. The laws treat alcohol and drug DUIs the same.
For a cocaine DUI, the police officer will first notice some sign of impaired driving – weaving between lanes, running a red light, etc. After pulling you over, the officer will see signs of intoxication like bloodshot eyes or slurred speech. At this point, you’ll likely have to do a field sobriety test, which can include walking heel-to-toe in a straight line or standing on one leg.
If you fail the field sobriety test, the officer will arrest you for DUI and take you to the police station. There, you’ll be asked to take a blood or urine test to detect drugs in your system. If cocaine is found in your blood or urine, that’s enough evidence for a cocaine DUI charge.
Penalties for Cocaine DUIs in Los Angeles
A cocaine DUI is a misdemeanor in California, but it has severe consequences if convicted. For a first offense, you may face:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1000
- Driver’s license suspension for 6 months
The penalties get worse for repeat offenses. A second offense within 10 years will bring up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $2000, and a 2-year license suspension. Three or more offenses can lead to years in state prison.
On top of the DUI penalties, you’ll also face charges for cocaine possession. Simple possession is also a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail. But if you had a large amount of cocaine, you could be charged with intent to distribute, which is a felony.
Finding a Lawyer for Your Cocaine DUI
Having an experienced DUI lawyer is crucial when cocaine is involved. An attorney can review the details of your case and build strategic defenses to get charges reduced or dismissed. Here are some tips on finding the right DUI lawyer:
- Look for a lawyer who specializes in DUIs – you want someone very familiar with DUI law and proceedings.
- Find a lawyer experienced with drug cases – a cocaine DUI requires expertise in both DUIs and drug crimes.
- Ask about their success record with cocaine DUIs specifically – this shows their experience with similar cases.
- Meet with lawyers before choosing one – make sure you feel comfortable with their approach.
- Ask what strategies they’ll use for your defense – a good lawyer will explain their plan in detail.
Don’t just choose the first lawyer you find online. Vet them thoroughly, as this is a serious charge that can impact your life for years. Be prepared to spend more on a top DUI lawyer, as cocaine cases require extensive defense work.
Fighting Cocaine DUI Charges
There are many ways a skilled lawyer can fight cocaine DUI charges, including:
- Questioning the traffic stop – If there was no legal reason for the initial stop, evidence can be thrown out.
- Challenging the field sobriety tests – These tests are subjective and prone to error.
- Disputing blood test results – Contamination or lab mistakes can invalidate results.
- Arguing for addiction treatment – Judges may allow rehab instead of jail time.
- Getting separate trials – Trying the DUI and drug charges separately can help win one case.
- Negotiating plea bargains – Plead to lesser charges to avoid harsh cocaine DUI penalties.
An experienced lawyer knows which strategies give you the best chance at an acquittal or reduced sentence. Don’t go it alone against the complex web of DUI and drug laws.
Avoiding Cocaine DUIs
The best way to avoid a cocaine DUI is simply not to drive after using cocaine. But if you find yourself impaired and need to drive, here are some tips:
- Wait several hours after using until you feel completely sober.
- Have someone else drive you.
- Call a taxi or rideshare service.
- Take public transportation or use a bicycle.
- Pull over and rest if you feel impaired while driving.
While cocaine leaves your system faster than many drugs, you may still feel residual effects for hours after using. Be cautious and avoid driving when in doubt about your sobriety.
Get Help for Cocaine Addiction
If cocaine has become a problem for you, a cocaine DUI may be the wakeup call you need. Consider getting professional help through inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment programs. Rehab provides counseling, therapy, support groups and other services to help you overcome addiction for good.
You don’t have to keep risking DUIs and your health because of cocaine. Take back control of your life. There are many people and resources that can help you recover if you make the courageous decision to get treatment.
Dealing with a cocaine DUI in Los Angeles can be frightening and overwhelming. But an experienced DUI lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process and build a strong defense to minimize penalties. Don’t go through this alone – get a free case evaluation from a lawyer today.
Sources:
- https://www.losangelescriminallawyer.pro/los-angeles-dui-and-cocaine.html
- https://www.thehfirm.com/blog/how-severe-is-a-cocaine-dui
- https://www.losangelescriminallawyer.pro/driving-under-the-influence-of-drugs.html
- https://www.expertlawfirm.com/cocaine-dui-in-california/
- https://www.losangelescriminaldefenseattorneyblog.com/another_los_angeles_dui_bust_f/
- https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/dui/laws/duid/