Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Drug DUI

We represent good people who find themselves, on occasion, on the wrong side of the law. We have extensive trial experience and are proven litigators. We have handled every type of criminal case from A to Z.

Play Video

Step 1: The Arrest

Don’t let the police take advantage of you while you’re in custody. Call Walsh Law right away, and we’ll get to work protecting your rights so you don’t inadvertently self-incriminate.
Step 2: The Arraignment

Walsh Law is an aggressive Folsom criminal defense firm that can argue for reasonable bail and help you await the end of your case from the comfort of your home.
Step 3: Pre-Trial Hearings

We’ll evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do our due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.

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.

Continue Reading Read Less

Values You Can Relate To

Our Client Testimonials

“I have permanently added him to my contacts for any future needs. THANK YOU CHRIS!!”
“I am always able to get ahold of him directly either by cell or text including after hours and if for some reason he isn’t immediately available, he responds as soon as he can.”

- Melissa C.
“Mr Walsh is the very best!!”
“He was compassionate and explained to me what to expect in an easy way for me to understand. He was straightforward and delivered on what he said he could do for me!”

- Claudia H.
“I would like to thank Chris for helping me achieve a better deal.”
“I was in a bit of a situation and public defenders weren’t doing anything to help my case as if they didn’t have time. Which they don’t, but Chris Walsh did and came up with a few methods to fight my case.”

- Dewan P.

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.

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

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.

Continue Reading Read Less

Meet Our Team

We know it’s easy to get swept up with emotions and confusion in the aftermath of being charged with a crime. That’s why our Folsom criminal defense attorneys aim to shoulder as much of the burden as we can, providing reassurance plus honest insight and advice where you need it.

Learn More About Us

Why Walsh Law?

Walsh Law’s mission is to be the gold standard of criminal defense by providing superior legal advocacy in the face of potentially life-changing consequences.

Chris Walsh is a former prosecutor, so we know what you’re up against when you face criminal charges. Now, clients like you get to benefit from what we’ve learned in our careers and how we apply what we know to get the results you’re after.

Reach Out For a Free Consultation

Protect Your Future

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Walsh Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Authenticity
White-glove service with a healthy dose of blue-collar attitude. We're straight shooters driven by our strong fighting spirit to prevail.
Determination
It's the hallmark of our style of practice. We'll contest every case as far as necessary, are laser-focused on getting results, and we'll press on even if the going gets tough.
Excellence
We strive to achieve the best results possible but are never satisfied with just that. We constantly seek opportunities for improvement and follow through to get better.
Intelligence
We work smart and hard. We know the intricacies of the law and won't miss a chance to jump on a case's weak spots. Our strengths lie in skillfully sifting through case details to identify what's most important to a jury and presenting the facts persuasively.
Quality
We take pride in what we do and our record of results. No matter what our clients are going through, we're committed to protecting their rights and acting in their best interest.