Per Texas Statute §49.01, you could be arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) if a law enforcement officer suspects that you are under the influence of marijuana while operating a vehicle.
The statute defines “intoxication” as:
- “not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body.”
If you were charged with a DWI because of suspected marijuana use, then you could be facing significant legal penalties. A Fort Worth DWI marijuana lawyer can advise you on your legal options as you enter the judicial process. Call our team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at (214) 696-9253 to learn more.
Implications of a Marijuana Intoxication Charge
Even if you were not under the influence of marijuana or believe that you were entirely in control of your faculties, you could face legal penalties as defined under DWI-specific statutes.
Aside from jail time, fines, and license suspension, some implications of having a criminal charge on your record could include:
- Costs associated with taking alternative transportation, such as taxis or ridesharing services
- Difficulty obtaining certain types of employment, including any job that requires a clean driving record
- Difficulty obtaining housing
- Consequences in family court, such as restrictions to a custody agreement
- Difficulty obtaining forms of financial assistance
- Having to disclose the charge to your current employer
These are all factors to take into consideration when considering working with a Fort Worth DWI marijuana lawyer. The measures you take today could greatly influence your tomorrow.
Penalties of a DWI Conviction
A conviction for a first-time DWI offense is generally categorized as a Class B misdemeanor, per Texas Statute §49.04.
If you are convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, legal consequences may include:
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Suspension of your license
Yet, depending on the details of your situation, your charge could escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony charge. For instance, if you were under the influence of marijuana and then caused a collision that injured one or more people, you could face severe legal consequences. Once you are convicted of a DWI, your criminal record can never be sealed. This means that your record could be accessed by a future employer or business partner.
If you want to learn about how a lawyer could help defend you against a pending marijuana-related DWI charge, call our team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at (214) 696-9253 for a free consultation.
How a Lawyer Can Defend You from a Marijuana DWI Charge
It is important to understand the seriousness of a DWI conviction. The state of Texas views driving under the influence of marijuana and alcohol in very similar lights. To prevent a criminal charge from tarnishing your name and reputation, a DWI marijuana lawyer may have to undertake many legal responsibilities on your behalf. Their ultimate goal will be to advocate for a court decision that results in the reduction of charges or the dismissal of your case.
A lawyer can:
- Assess your case during a free consultation
- Evaluate available evidence
- Conduct further investigation to obtain additional evidence
- Advise you on your legal options as your case moves forward
- Negotiate for a plea deal, reduction in charges, or dismissal of your case
- Obtain testimony from relevant experts to aid in your defense
- Advocate for your rights throughout the entirety of your legal matter
Defending yourself against a marijuana DWI charge could be the difference between having a criminal charge on your record versus being able to move forward with a clean slate. A Fort Worth DWI marijuana lawyer can implement strategies that deter the prosecution from successfully convicting you. To learn more, call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today.
You May Be Facing Additional Charges
Depending on your situation, you could be facing more than a DWI charge. For instance, if you were found to be in possession of a certain amount of drugs, you could be charged with additional crimes.
Some of these possible offenses may include:
- Manufacture or delivery of drugs
- Drug possession
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Intent to sell or distribute drugs
Convictions for these or any other charges you are facing could result in additional fines, jail time, and secondary consequences. You may want to speak with a Fort Worth DWI marijuana lawyer about the ramifications of these additional charges and what they could mean for your defense strategy.
Call Our Team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg for a Free Consultation
Our founding partner, Randall B. Isenberg, has more than 30 years’ experience in the legal system as a former prosecutor, state district judge, and now an attorney defending those like yourself. His team will assess the facts of your case and craft an approach to your defense that promotes a beneficial resolution.
If you are facing the prospect of a marijuana DWI conviction, speaking with a member of our team costs you nothing. We are interested in learning more about your situation so that we can determine a course of action. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at (214) 696-9253 for a free consultation.
