OUI Marijuana in Massachusetts | Boston Marijuana DUI Defense
How Do Police Officers Know if Someone is Driving High?
While recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in Massachusetts, driving while under its influence is still illegal. Today, police officers utilize standard field sobriety tests to identify whether someone is driving under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, or other substances. These tests are 90% effective in identifying drunk drivers, which is why they have remained the gold standard in police work. However, these same techniques can only correctly identify marijuana-impaired drivers 30% to 50% of the time. In response, technology companies have begun to innovate.
New Technology Changes Massachusetts OUI
Two competing companies have designed a police tool that will revolutionize traffic stops: a marijuana breathalyzer. A spokesman from Hound Labs, one of the firms behind the new tech, asserts that their test will show whether a person behind the wheel has smoked marijuana within the past three hours: the time when drivers are considered to be the most impaired.
The Dangers of Driving While High
According to recent research, only 30% of people believe that driving while under the influence of marijuana is an issue. The truth is that this choice has a major impact on your life and the lives of everyone else on the road.
Marijuana is a depressant, which means that it slows the reaction time of drivers under its influence. Other impairments include:
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Inability to multitask
- Difficulty concentrating on the road
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Issues accurately perceiving distance, time
- Worsened decision-making skills
Consequences of DUI Marijuana
Despite the current difficulties in identifying a person impaired by marijuana, law enforcement officials have begun to aggressively pursue those driving under the influence of the substance. The penalties if convicted are the same as OUI Alcohol – because the breathalyzer has not yet become available, there are not yet consequences for refusal.
First offense options may include:
- A continuance without a finding (CWOF): admission to sufficient facts to find you guilty (not a finding of guilt).
- Probation of one year or more
- Suspension of driver’s license for 45-90 days (up to 210 days for those under the age of 21)
- Completion of a 24D program: 16 weeks of class, once per week
- Hardship license may be considered
Defense for Marijuana OUI
Do not plead guilty to driving under the influence of marijuana without speaking with an attorney. Massachusetts OUI and DUI laws are highly technical, and skilled legal professionals are able to navigate the trail process to ensure the best outcome for you. Coughlin Law Group will negotiate on your behalf to seek the best possible resolution for your case. We will protect your rights and minimize your exposure to adverse penalties.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our Boston DUI defense lawyers, please call Coughlin Law Group at 617-758-8888 today.