At the Law Offices of Randy Collins, our seasoned team offers straightforward guidance and unwavering support to navigate the complexities of the justice system. With decades of experience and a track record of success, trust us to fiercely advocate for your rights and deliver the results you deserve.
Orange County DUID Defense: Protect Your Rights
Understanding DUID Charges in Orange County
Historically, drugged driving in California was an offense that was easy to explain to defendants. More often than not, those charged with driving while on drugs had been involved in a car accident and maybe even caused serious injuries. These days, DUI and DWI offenses are zealously prosecuted, even if it is unclear whether or not the defendant was intoxicated at the time of their arrest. Law enforcement is adjusting to technological advances and is using new tools to help determine whether someone took drugs. They are using this information to help obtain convictions for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID).
Challenging Wrongful DUID Allegations
Although this may seem like progress, numerous situations exist in which authorities wrongfully charge drivers with driving under the influence of drugs when it is not warranted. Some may say that these are casualties of an overall effective campaign, but we beg to differ. If law-abiding citizens are convicted of misdemeanor or felony drugged driving offenses, they could have trouble with future employment or lose their current job. Not to mention the hefty fines, penalties, classes, and potential jail time they could receive for their offense.
Dissecting California's DUID Laws
So how does California law determine whether or not someone was DUID at the time of their arrest? The truth is, conflicting points of view exist (mostly between Orange County DUID defense attorneys and prosecutors) that have not been resolved.
Get a Free Case Evaluation for Your DUID Charge
For immediate assistance and a free case review, contact our Orange County DUID defense team at (844) 285-9559. Act now to protect your future!
What If I Didn’t Mean to Drive While Intoxicated?
Unknowingly driving under the influence is an interesting concept that was challenged by Kerry Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s niece, after she was charged with DUI in July of 2012. Although Kennedy testified that she took 10 milligrams of Ambien, got into her car, drove erratically, and eventually sideswiped a tractor-trailer, she was still able to receive an acquittal for her drugged driving charge.
How did she get away with it? Well, her drugged driving attorney was able to convince the jury that Kennedy accidentally took the pills. According to Kennedy’s testimony, she grabbed the wrong pills on the morning of her crash.
Although Kennedy was able to use this defense successfully, she was very lucky. An experienced drugged driving defense lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and see what flaws they can expose.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
-
Charges Dismissed Spousal Abuse
-
Penalty Reduced | All Other Counts Dismissed Grand Theft
-
Case Dismissed Burglary
-
Charges Dismissed Driving on a Suspended License
-
Case Dismissed DUI Drugs
-
Case Dismissed Domestic Battery with Corporal Injury
California Drugged Driving Law: What is DUID?
Those arrested under suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs are charged with violating California Vehicle Code 23152. This offense can be charged whether the defendant was believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Prosecutors treat drug DUIs very seriously and will not hesitate to try to issue a maximum sentence for violators.
To prosecute for CPC 23152 for drug DUI, the state has the burden to prove you are guilty of:
- Driving under the influence of drugs including over the counter drugs, prescribed medicines, or hard substances like cocaine
- Knowingly driving under the influence of drugs, and also that you knew that by doing so, the drug would have impaired your judgment and ability to drive in a legal manner
“Drugs” According to California Law
According to California law, “drugs” are considered to be any substance that is not alcohol that can affect a person’s brain, muscles, and/or central nervous system. A person is believed to be driving while under the influence of drugs if the substance impairs their ability to drive like a sober person in the same situation.
Substances That Commonly Result in DUID in CA
When California police officers believe that a driver may be under the influence, but they do not know what substance is impairing driving, they will often require the driver to submit to a blood test. Although driving under the influence of any drug is illegal, it would be hard to prove without any reliable evidence. Because some drugs are not detectable by blood or breathalyzer, the use of those drugs before driving will rarely result in a DUID arrest.
Specializing in Criminal Defense
Get a Seasoned Lawyer on Your Side
If you are facing charges for driving while under the influence of drugs, speaking with one of our skilled Orange County drugged driving attorneys is in your best interest. Without in-depth knowledge of California’s case law, you will be at a disadvantage.
Call (844) 285-9559 or contact the Law Offices of Randy Collins today to speak with our Orange County drugged driving lawyers during a free case evaluation.
-
Randy is one of the best attorneys you could ever have. I’m eternally grateful to Randy and his team for his dedication and professionalism. Randy is very brilliant when it comes to felonies, probation violations, or other criminal cases... Randy is the best lawyer you can have. when other lawyers told me they couldn’t help me out... Randy always told me he can help me and there was never an impossible case to bring in his favor. He was always in touch and keeping me updated on my case, and he gave me the peace and comfort I needed during difficult times. This is the second time he has had to help me stay away from jail. I will never look into other lawyers. I’ll be a loyal client to Randy from now on. You are #1, Randy. Thank youAdriana
-
I called to inquire about a case I was facing, this was one of the many attorneys I was speaking with during a free consult about my next steps. The future was looking more and more alarming as the implications of what I was facing were becoming clear. Halfway through explaining my situation, he interrupted me and asked some basic information, put me on hold for one second and came back telling me he had called around and found out that my case was not proceeding. Four other attorneys I had spoken to did not do this, and in fact had used scare tactics and worst case scenarios to try and hard sell me into signing a retainer. (unfortunately, the evening before I HAD with another attorney signed a retainer but thats for another review) Although I did not need to retain the services of this office, I believe that single action speaks worlds about the integrity, helpfulness, intelligence and capabilities of this office. In a world that is so difficult for the uninitiated, such as the legal system, it seems people are taking advantage of you at every turn. It was a welcome and uplifting experience to see the opposite of that with this law office and I am so grateful I was able to find them and know I could call them if anything were to ever happen to me later in life and know I could trust this team.Chris
-
He is amazing!! I'm am happy to say that my daughter's charges were dismissed! Randy did an excellent job!!! I couldn't have made a better decision the day I called his office.Leslie
-
Best Criminal Defense Attorney"I could not be more grateful or complimentary of how Randy handled my case, as well as the easy communication and genuine care for my well-being. I could not recommend Randy more.Nichole -
I hired Randy after my previous attorney failed to give me proper information and caused me to violate my probation. Randy appeared in court for got the issue resolved without any head aches. He was a man of his word and I highly recommend him.Reedham
-
Oh man, I thank my lucky stars for attorney Randy and his team. I was able to get a great deal and the best advice!Adri
-
Randy is awesome! I called so many attorneys and in all honesty he is such an incredible person. All of his office staff is friendly, professional and knowledgeable. He really cares about the welfare of his clients and takes time to discuss your needs in person. I highly recommend him. He handled my case in record time with the best possible outcome.Staci
-
There’s no words to describe Mr. Collins, not just as an attorney but a Super and Great Human Being. He has been an “Angel” and “Life Saver” for one of my family members.
By Profession, I’m a Radio and TV Host, and I’ve interviewed and talked to quite a few in this Profession, and trust me when I say, that I’m so impressed with Mr. Collins and in today’s modern times it’s hard to find someone that works so hard, cares, and makes things happen!!!
In life you need a good mechanic, a good Doctor, and a Super Lawyer. Trust him, believe in him and you become one of the “Winners” by hitting “Jackpot” with your legal needs:)
Victor