Oklahoma authorities are cracking down on drivers who use marijuana while driving. A new state law recently went into effect that prohibits consuming marijuana while you’re behind the wheel. While driving under the influence of marijuana was already illegal, lawmakers and prosecutors say the new law is meant to close potential loopholes and impose harsher penalties on intoxicated drivers.
The New Oklahoma Marijuana DUI Law
Under the new law, it is illegal to consume marijuana or inhale secondhand marijuana smoke while operating a vehicle on a public road. In other words, drivers can’t share their car with a passenger who’s smoking marijuana. The law also bans drivers from having any open container of marijuana in the passenger area of a vehicle.
Penalties for Drivers Who Break the New Oklahoma Marijuana DUI Law
Violating Oklahoma’s new marijuana DUI law is a misdemeanor at the baseline. Penalties include a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail.
How the New DUI Marijuana Statute Interacts with Other Impaired Driving Laws
In many cases, drivers accused of violating Oklahoma’s new DUI marijuana law could face additional charges. Oklahoma’s main DUI statute already states that driving under the influence of marijuana or other controlled substances is illegal. Therefore, a driver caught smoking marijuana could face at least two charges for the same act. Furthermore, the penalties for breaking Oklahoma’s main DUI law are much harsher and include at least 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Due to these harsh penalties, anyone accused of driving under the influence of marijuana must speak to an impaired driving defense lawyer right away.
What to Do if the Police Accuse You of Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana in Norman, OK
A conviction for driving under the influence of marijuana can have catastrophic consequences. To protect yourself, take these steps after the police take you into custody:
- Don’t say anything or answer any questions beyond providing your basic identifying information. Even seemingly unrelated or harmless statements can hurt your defense. Exercising your right to remain silent prevents you from making potentially costly mistakes.
- Ask for an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can protect you during meetings with the police or prosecutors, examine the evidence, and start building your defense.
- Tell your lawyer everything you remember about the traffic stop and your arrest. If the police or prosecutors violated your rights, your lawyer can argue for reduced penalties or dismissed charges.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer. Anything you say to other jail inmates, your family, or your friends could hurt your defense. Similarly, do not discuss your case on social media, as prosecutors can use those statements against you.
How Our Norman, OK, DUI Defense Attorneys Can Help You
At Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman, we use a collaborative approach to build a robust defense tailored to your goals and the risks you face. We start by examining the traffic stop and other evidence to see if the police followed proper procedure and upheld your rights. If the police violated your rights at any stage, we can argue for reduced or dismissed charges.
We also represent you during meetings and negotiations with the police and prosecutors. We’ll advise you on what to say (or not say) to protect yourself and help you avoid the worst possible outcome. Furthermore, we explain everything in plain terms and keep you fully updated throughout your case. While we prefer to avoid trials when possible, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if that’s the best option.
Our law firm is ready to guide you through this difficult moment. Call Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman now or complete our online contact form for a consultation if you’ve been arrested or charged in the Oklahoma City area.