What is Vicodin DUI in California?
California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (b) – defines driving a vehicle under the influence of Vicodin in California as an illegal activity. Other labels include hydrocodone. It is a common painkiller, but due to its side effects and label’s warning for operating vehicles, drivers can be arrested and brought to trial.
Determining Factors of Vicodin DUI in California:
Before any Vicodin DUI case can reach a conviction, there are factors of the crime that will need to be verified. Vicodin DUI in California CPC 23152 (b) is no different, and these factors include:
- The accused is responsible for driving under the influence of Vicodin
This crime is a section of California DUID laws.
As evidence, the court will rely:
- The driver’s appearance
- Chemical test that show positive readings of the substance
- A drug expert’s testimonials
- The arresting officer’s notes
DUID laws aren’t as clear-cut as driving under the influence, which has the 0.08% level prerequisite for an arrest. However, prescribed amounts of Vicodin will not usually cause impairment. Therefore, the chemical test should reveal if there are exceptionally high levels of Vicodin in the blood.
Penalties for California Vehicle Code 23152
The fines and punishments for Vicodin DUI in California, if convicted, include:
- Up to 1 yr in the county jail
- At least $390 in fines
- Informal probation (3-5) years
- DUI school (3 months)
- Driver’s license suspension (6 months)
* These penalties are for first time offenders of DUID in California.
In addition, the defendant is also subject to charges of drug possession, which carries its own fines and penalties – that is if there are no prescriptions available.
Added Notes:
Vicodin is a analgesic that slows down the body’s vitals. Other side effects include nausea, sleepiness, hoarse speech and more.
It should be noted that felony or misdemeanor charges are determined by specific circumstances of the case, and the court will deliberate on these, before sentencing someone found guilty of Vicodin DUI in California.
How to Hire a Orange County Law Firm for Vicodin DUI in California:
Choosing a lawyer may be the difference between proving your innocence or being convicted of a crime you were no part of.
If you are accused of Vicodin DUI in California, it’s time to call a legal defense team that knows the law like the back of their hands. Call MacGregor and Collins at 949-250-6097 today.
Quick Resource
Are you new to the State of California and need to learn more about criminal offenses and their penalties? We have built a convenient resource center at the California Section Penal Codes Library.