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Criminal Defense, dui, owi defense 7.22.2024

Green Lights, Red Eyes: Can You Get a DUI for Marijuana in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin may have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana, but don’t let that green light fool you – driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal. In fact, Wisconsin has taken a strict stance on drugged driving, implementing a “Per se Law” that has significant implications for drivers. Let’s break down the complex world of marijuana and DUI laws in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s THC Laws

THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, is the primary focus of Wisconsin’s DUI laws. While the state has legalized both medical and recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older, driving under the influence of marijuana remains strictly prohibited. This means that even if you are a legal marijuana user, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by THC is against the law. Wisconsin has taken a particularly stringent approach to drugged driving, implementing a "Per se Law" with significant consequences for drivers.

Legal Limits for THC

A crucial aspect of Wisconsin’s DUI laws is the establishment of legal limits for THC. Unlike alcohol, which has a clear-cut Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit, marijuana impairment is more complex to quantify. However, Wisconsin has implemented a “Per se Law” that sets a specific threshold for THC levels.

“Per Se” Law Explained

A crucial aspect of Wisconsin’s DUI laws is the establishment of legal limits for THC. Unlike alcohol, which has a clear-cut Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit, marijuana impairment is more complex to quantify due to factors like individual metabolism, potency, and consumption method. However, Wisconsin has implemented a “Per se Law” that sets a specific threshold for THC levels, allowing for a more objective approach to marijuana-related DUI prosecutions.

Field Sobriety Tests and Marijuana

Law enforcement officers often rely on field sobriety tests (FSTs) to assess a driver's impairment. However, these tests are primarily designed to detect alcohol impairment and may not be as reliable for marijuana. While some FSTs can indicate potential drug impairment, their accuracy in determining marijuana-specific impairment is still a subject of debate. This is due to the complex nature of marijuana impairment, which can vary greatly between individuals and is not as directly correlated to THC levels as alcohol impairment is to BAC.

Signs of Marijuana Impairment While Driving

While THC levels can be measured, determining the extent of impairment caused by marijuana is more subjective. Some common signs of marijuana impairment while driving include:

  • Slowed reaction times
  • Impaired judgment
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty maintaining lane position
  • Erratic driving behavior

It’s essential to remember that these signs can also be caused by other factors, and a definitive diagnosis of marijuana impairment often requires additional testing.

Fighting a Marijuana DUI Charge in Wisconsin | How a DUI Lawyer Can Help

Facing a marijuana DUI charge in Wisconsin can be overwhelming, especially given the state's strict "Per se Law." An experienced DUI defense attorney, John Bayer will protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy. As your attorney, he can navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding marijuana DUI, understanding the intricacies of THC testing and impairment assessment. He can challenge the validity of field sobriety tests or blood test results, potentially uncovering procedural errors or questionable evidence. Moreover, as a skilled attorney, he can explore potential defenses related to the interpretation of THC levels and their correlation to actual impairment, potentially weakening the prosecution's case.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests

A DUI attorney can challenge the validity of field sobriety tests if they were administered improperly or if there were factors that could have affected your performance, such as medical conditions or medications. Your attorney can scrutinize the officer's adherence to standardized testing procedures, as deviations from these guidelines can weaken the test results. Additionally, they can explore whether any external factors, like weather conditions, road hazards, or the officer's demeanor, may have influenced your ability to perform the tests accurately.

Blood Test Defense Strategies

If a blood test was involved, a DUI lawyer can scrutinize the testing procedures, chain of custody, and potential lab errors. They can also explore the complex relationship between THC levels and actual impairment. Your attorney can investigate whether the blood sample was collected, transported, and analyzed according to established protocols. Additionally, they can challenge the reliability of THC testing methods, as the correlation between THC levels and driving impairment is still a subject of ongoing research and debate.

Potential for Reduced Charges or Dismissal

Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a skilled attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal or seek dismissal of the charges altogether. Your attorney will carefully evaluate the evidence against you, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and explore all available legal options to achieve the best possible outcome. Remember, every case is unique, and an experienced DUI defense attorney can provide tailored advice and representation based on your specific situation.

Don't Let Your High End in a DWI | Bayer Law Firm LLC

If you find yourself facing a marijuana DUI charge in Wisconsin, seeking legal counsel is crucial. An experienced DUI defense attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Call John T. Bayer, the founding attorney at Bayer Law Offices, LLC. A Wisconsin attorney who believes in fighting for our most basic human rights. He will fight to get you out of terrible situations. Contacting Bayer Law Firm, LLC now is the first step to getting your life back!

Wisconsin may have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana, but don’t let that green light fool you – driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal. In fact, Wisconsin has taken a strict stance on drugged driving, implementing a “Per se Law” that has significant implications for drivers. Let’s break down the complex world of marijuana and DUI laws in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s THC Laws

THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, is the primary focus of Wisconsin’s DUI laws. While the state has legalized both medical and recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older, driving under the influence of marijuana remains strictly prohibited. This means that even if you are a legal marijuana user, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by THC is against the law. Wisconsin has taken a particularly stringent approach to drugged driving, implementing a "Per se Law" with significant consequences for drivers.

Legal Limits for THC

A crucial aspect of Wisconsin’s DUI laws is the establishment of legal limits for THC. Unlike alcohol, which has a clear-cut Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit, marijuana impairment is more complex to quantify. However, Wisconsin has implemented a “Per se Law” that sets a specific threshold for THC levels.

“Per Se” Law Explained

A crucial aspect of Wisconsin’s DUI laws is the establishment of legal limits for THC. Unlike alcohol, which has a clear-cut Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit, marijuana impairment is more complex to quantify due to factors like individual metabolism, potency, and consumption method. However, Wisconsin has implemented a “Per se Law” that sets a specific threshold for THC levels, allowing for a more objective approach to marijuana-related DUI prosecutions.

Field Sobriety Tests and Marijuana

Law enforcement officers often rely on field sobriety tests (FSTs) to assess a driver's impairment. However, these tests are primarily designed to detect alcohol impairment and may not be as reliable for marijuana. While some FSTs can indicate potential drug impairment, their accuracy in determining marijuana-specific impairment is still a subject of debate. This is due to the complex nature of marijuana impairment, which can vary greatly between individuals and is not as directly correlated to THC levels as alcohol impairment is to BAC.

Signs of Marijuana Impairment While Driving

While THC levels can be measured, determining the extent of impairment caused by marijuana is more subjective. Some common signs of marijuana impairment while driving include:

  • Slowed reaction times
  • Impaired judgment
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty maintaining lane position
  • Erratic driving behavior

It’s essential to remember that these signs can also be caused by other factors, and a definitive diagnosis of marijuana impairment often requires additional testing.

Fighting a Marijuana DUI Charge in Wisconsin | How a DUI Lawyer Can Help

Facing a marijuana DUI charge in Wisconsin can be overwhelming, especially given the state's strict "Per se Law." An experienced DUI defense attorney, John Bayer will protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy. As your attorney, he can navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding marijuana DUI, understanding the intricacies of THC testing and impairment assessment. He can challenge the validity of field sobriety tests or blood test results, potentially uncovering procedural errors or questionable evidence. Moreover, as a skilled attorney, he can explore potential defenses related to the interpretation of THC levels and their correlation to actual impairment, potentially weakening the prosecution's case.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests

A DUI attorney can challenge the validity of field sobriety tests if they were administered improperly or if there were factors that could have affected your performance, such as medical conditions or medications. Your attorney can scrutinize the officer's adherence to standardized testing procedures, as deviations from these guidelines can weaken the test results. Additionally, they can explore whether any external factors, like weather conditions, road hazards, or the officer's demeanor, may have influenced your ability to perform the tests accurately.

Blood Test Defense Strategies

If a blood test was involved, a DUI lawyer can scrutinize the testing procedures, chain of custody, and potential lab errors. They can also explore the complex relationship between THC levels and actual impairment. Your attorney can investigate whether the blood sample was collected, transported, and analyzed according to established protocols. Additionally, they can challenge the reliability of THC testing methods, as the correlation between THC levels and driving impairment is still a subject of ongoing research and debate.

Potential for Reduced Charges or Dismissal

Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a skilled attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal or seek dismissal of the charges altogether. Your attorney will carefully evaluate the evidence against you, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and explore all available legal options to achieve the best possible outcome. Remember, every case is unique, and an experienced DUI defense attorney can provide tailored advice and representation based on your specific situation.

Don't Let Your High End in a DWI | Bayer Law Firm LLC

If you find yourself facing a marijuana DUI charge in Wisconsin, seeking legal counsel is crucial. An experienced DUI defense attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Call John T. Bayer, the founding attorney at Bayer Law Offices, LLC. A Wisconsin attorney who believes in fighting for our most basic human rights. He will fight to get you out of terrible situations. Contacting Bayer Law Firm, LLC now is the first step to getting your life back!

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