By Jeff Kennedy
Can I Be DWI on Marijuana in Texas?
It’s a simple truth that many people don’t learn the laws until they’ve already violated them. If you’ve been arrested for a DWI, or if you know someone who has, you may not have realized that being under the influence of drugs also counts as driving while intoxicated.
You can, in fact, be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) while under the influence of marijuana.
If you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including marijuana, while operating a motor vehicle (or any moving vehicle for that matter), you can be arrested and charged with DWI. The good news is there are ways to fight this charge. You may want to consider fighting your charge with the help of an experienced DWI lawyer.
What a DWI Can Do to Your Life
While a first-time DWI doesn’t seem all that life-changing, it actually can be. A DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. You will likely spend a few days in jail. In addition, you’ll be slapped with a hefty fine that could greatly affect your financial situation.
Many DWI-related crimes could get you fired from your job, and the fact that a DWI is on your criminal record could affect your employment prospects for the rest of your life—even if it was “just a marijuana DWI.”
Most employers aren’t going to care that you were under the influence of marijuana instead of alcohol. When they’re reviewing your criminal history, they will just see the word “Irresponsible” flashing like a neon sign.
Defenses Against a DWI Charge in Texas
Here’s some good news: Your attorney can defend you in court and possibly keep the DWI off your record. A few possible defenses for a DWI involving marijuana are as follows:
- You weren’t under the influence at the time you were driving. You had used marijuana several days or weeks earlier, and traces of the drug remained in your system.
- You have been falsely accused.
- The police stopped you illegally.
- The lab made errors.
Call a Fort Worth DWI Lawyer
Now you know that you can be DWI on marijuana in Texas. Contact a DWI attorney with the Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy to discuss your case. Call 817-605-1010 or fill out the case review form below.
