DUI / OVI and Marijuana
Although individuals are charged with driving under the influence of marijuana or operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana each year in Ohio, it is very difficult to prove that someone was actually impaired by the marijuana when they were operating the vehicle. Studies have shown when someone drives after marijuana consumption, they operate their vehicle in a slower, more cautious manner, and the marijuana most likely does not impair a person’s ability to drive at all. These studies also show that after a person has consumed marijuana, they have less of a desire to operate a vehicle, and would prefer to take other means of transportation than drive their car.
In addition to DUI/OVI marijuana charges, law enforcement officials will attempt to charge the individual with possession of marijuana charges. Both marijuana possession charges and OVI marijuana charges can result in lead to harsh punishments and consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to hire a marijuana criminal defense attorney that will make every effort to help you avoid the most severe penalties.
Columbus OVI Marijuana Defense Attorney
The Joslyn Law Firm can help you avoid harsh punishments and severe repercussions for your OVI / DUI marijuana offense in Columbus, Ohio. Brian Joslyn is an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense who will fight to have your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call the Joslyn Law Firm for a free consultation today.
Ohio’s Law for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Marijuana Law
According to Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.19, a person is considered to be driving under the influence of marijuana when “[t]he person has a concentration of marihuana in the person’s urine of at least ten nanograms of marihuana per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of marihuana in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least two nanograms of marihuana per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.”
Those arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana will be charged and sentenced as though they were driving under the influence in Ohio (OVI).
If a person is chemically tested to have marijuana in their system, they are not necessarily under the influence of marijuana at that time, as it can stay in an individual’s system anywhere from four to six weeks.
Penalties for OVI with Marijuana
For a first offense, penalties can include a minimum of 72 hours in jail, fines, community service and a mandatory drug treatment program. For subsequent offenses, penalties can include up to ten years in prison, in addition to fines and community service.
Additionally, Ohio law provides for those charged with an OVI to be penalized with a surcharge on top of any fines the alleged offender is required to pay.
Joslyn Law Firm | Columbus Marijuana and DUI Lawyer
Contact the Joslyn Law Firm today for a consultation about your operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana in Columbus, Ohio. It is important to hire an experienced Columbus OVI defense lawyer that will listen to the facts of your case and help you find the best possible outcome for your situation.
Call (614) 444-1900 for a consultation about your DUI with marijuana offense in Franklin County, and the surrounding counties of Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio.