Citrus Heights DUID Attorney

Defending Drugged Driving Charges After An Arrest

If you were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, you are likely worried about your license, your job, and what will happen in court. You may have been using a prescription, marijuana, or a combination of substances, and now you are facing a criminal charge you never expected. Our Citrus Heights DUID lawyers at Walsh Law are here to step in quickly and help you understand your options.

We know this is probably your first serious encounter with the criminal justice system, and it can feel overwhelming. You may have paperwork from the jail or the officer, questions about a blood or urine test, and a looming court date at the Sacramento County Superior Court. Our role is to shoulder as much of that burden as we can and guide you through every stage of the process.

Our criminal defense team is led by Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor with more than 19 years of experience and over 100 jury trials. As a former prosecutor who has handled some of the most serious cases in California, Mr. Walsh understands how the state builds DUID cases, which facts matter to a jury, and where weaknesses often appear in the evidence.

Contact us today at (916) 610-3558 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is a Drug DUI (DUID)?

A drug DUI, also known as DUID, occurs when a driver is accused of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs. Under California law, drugs can include illegal substances, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

Unlike alcohol DUIs, there is no legal “per se” limit for most drugs. This means prosecutors must prove that the drug actually impaired your ability to drive, which creates opportunities for a skilled Citrus Heights DUID lawyer to challenge the evidence.

Common Types of Drugs Involved in DUID Cases

Drug DUI charges in Citrus Heights can involve many substances, including:

Illegal Drugs

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Heroin
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• LSD and other hallucinogens

Prescription Medications

• Opioid painkillers (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone)
• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan)
• Sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta)
• ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin)

Over-the-Counter Drugs

• Cold and flu medications
• Antihistamines
• Motion sickness medications

Even when taken legally and as prescribed, these substances can still lead to a DUID arrest if law enforcement believes they impaired your driving.

How Drug DUI Arrests Happen in Citrus Heights

Most DUID cases begin with a traffic stop by local law enforcement or the California Highway Patrol. Officers may claim to observe signs such as:

• Weaving or erratic driving
• Delayed reactions
• Red or watery eyes
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination

If drugs are suspected, officers may request field sobriety tests or call in a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). Chemical testing may include blood or urine tests, both of which are prone to errors and interpretation issues.

California DUID Laws & Penalties

California Vehicle Code §23152(f) and §23152(g) govern drug DUI offenses. These laws prohibit driving while under the influence of any drug or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

Penalties for a First-Time DUID Conviction

• Fines and court costs
• Informal probation
• DUI education program
• Possible jail time
• Driver’s license suspension
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)

Enhanced Penalties

Penalties increase significantly if:

• You have prior DUI convictions
• An accident occurred
• Someone was injured
• A minor was in the vehicle

Our Citrus Heights DUID lawyer can work to reduce or dismiss charges and minimize these penalties.

DMV Consequences After a Drug DUI Arrest

In addition to criminal charges, a DUID arrest triggers a separate DMV administrative process. You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge your license suspension.

Failure to act quickly can result in an automatic suspension—even if your criminal case is later reduced or dismissed. Walsh Law helps clients protect their driving privileges and navigate both court and DMV proceedings.

Defenses a Citrus Heights DUID Lawyer May Use

Drug DUI cases are often defensible. Potential defenses may include:

• Lack of probable cause for the traffic stop
• Improper administration of field sobriety tests
• Unreliable DRE evaluations
• Inaccurate or contaminated blood or urine samples
• Delayed testing that does not reflect impairment at the time of driving
• Legal prescription use without actual impairment
• Violation of constitutional rights

At Walsh Law, we carefully examine every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.

Drug-Related DUI FAQs

Can I Be Charged with a DUID for Marijuana in California?

Yes. Even though marijuana is legal in California, driving while impaired by THC is illegal.

Do I Have to Take a Blood or Urine Test?

Refusing chemical testing can result in additional penalties, including longer license suspensions.

Is a Prescription Drug DUI Treated Differently?

Not necessarily. Legal prescriptions can still lead to DUID charges if impairment is alleged.

Will a DUID Stay on My Record?

A conviction can remain on your criminal record and driving history, but options may exist to reduce long-term consequences.

Should I Hire a Citrus Heights DUID Lawyer?

Absolutely. Drug DUI cases involve complex science and law that require experienced legal representation.

Why Choose Our Firm For Drugged Driving Charges

When you look for a DUID lawyer, you are not just hiring someone to stand next to you in court. You are trusting a team to analyze complex scientific evidence, navigate California DUI laws, and deal with prosecutors who handle these cases every day. Our firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense, and we have built our practice around representing good people who, on occasion, find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Chris Walsh served for years as a prosecutor in Kings, Fresno, Santa Clara, and Nevada counties before founding Walsh Law. As a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor, he was trusted with high-stakes, complex cases, including homicides and cold case murders. That background means we know how charging decisions are made, how prosecutors evaluate drug impairment evidence, and how they respond when the defense challenges toxicology or police procedures.

We deliberately limit the number of cases we accept so that each client receives the detailed attention their situation requires. Our team reviews every piece of evidence, from the initial stop to field sobriety tests and laboratory reports. We work to identify inconsistencies, procedural problems, and gaps in the prosecution's theory. Mr. Walsh has been twice selected as Prosecutor of the Year in Fresno County, nominated for Trial Attorney of the Year in Santa Clara County, and is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and Lawyers of Distinction in Criminal Law. These recognitions support what matters most to you, which is our ability to prepare a strong defense and present your case persuasively.

To discuss your case with our criminal defense team, call (916) 610-3558 today.