How Strict Are The Legal Consequences of Driving High on Drugs?

People often hear about the strict consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol through news outlets and celebrity arrests. However, what many people do not actually know are the consequences of driving high on drugs. Our DWI lawyer in Suffolk County and Central Islip at Flowers Law Group can represent you and give you the legal guidance you need.

First, there are two drug-related violations that are present in New York State:

• • Driving While Ability Impaired by a Single Drug other than Alcohol (DWAI/Drug)

• • Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combined Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (DWAI/Combination)

A driver can be charged with the violations listed above if he or she drives under the influence of a drug that is legal, illegal, or even prescribed. Yes, even some prescribed drugs such as Ambien can severely affect how a person operates a motor vehicle. This can be considered punishable by law. If the driver becomes convicted, he or she will have a permanent criminal record and could possibly face the following punishments:

• • A suspended driver’s license for six months or more

• • Jail time of up to one year

• • Probation for up to three years

• • A fine of up to $1000

In addition, if a driver causes an injury or kills another driver due to driving while impaired, they could possibly be convicted of vehicular manslaughter, assault, or criminally negligent homicide, while facing up to 15 years of jail time.

If you are seeking legal assistance because you have been charged with a DWAI, Flowers Law Group and our DWI lawyer in Suffolk County can give you the representation you need. Our group consists of qualified, experienced attorneys can aid you every step of the way through your criminal charge. We are here to help you seek the best outcome suited to your individual case. If you are in need of a DWI lawyer in Suffolk County, contact Flowers Law Group for more information regarding an initial consultation with one of our lawyers.

 

Marijuana Use in New York State

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes. The plant’s leaves, stems, flower, and seeds contain a chemical substance known as tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short. THC is the chemical that is responsible for altering normal brain communication. Most people ingest cannabis by smoking or vaporizing the THC, but it can also be extracted to use as an ingredient in some foods.

The THC from the cannabis plant when ingested goes through the lungs or the digestive system and then into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical along with through bloodstream branching off to the brain and other organs. The brain recognizes THC because of its similar structure to other natural brain chemicals. Marijuana affects parts of the brain that is responsible for pleasure, movement, and concentration. This effect can cause the consumer to experience abnormal sensations.

If you find yourself in legal trouble for smoking marijuana and driving, our DWI lawyer in Central Islip at Flowers Law Group can help you today.

The Side Effects of Marijuana

• • Distorted senses

• • Altered time awareness

• • Mood changes and swings

• • Lack of mobility

• • Impaired judgment – Difficulty concentrating

• • Memory issues

• • Hallucinations

• • Psychosis

• • Increased appetite

Medical Purpose

In 2014, The Compassionate Care Act was passed in New York to provide a medical marijuana program which would allow patients to obtain marijuana for medicinal use if they were diagnosed with a specified serious condition by a doctor. In order to obtain medical marijuana and products, a physician must certify that the patient is suffering from a specific condition. If you need a quality attorney representing you in court, our DWI lawyer in Central Islip will fight your case for you.

The Law – Marijuana In New York

Although there is the Compassionate Care Act, possession of cannabis is largely illegal in New York. In New York, the penalties for possession of marijuana is based on the quantity of the substance that you have. The heavier substance will directly result in a more substantial penalty. If you need a lawyer to represent you in court, contact Flowers Law Group, and our DWI lawyer in Central Islip will fight for you.