Due to changes in the legality of marijuana usage, the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department has decided to launch a campaign aimed at preventing marijuana and alcohol-related impaired driving. The organization plans to use a grant of $250,000 given to them by the California Office of Traffic and Safety to fund the campaign.
The campaign is called “Manejando Claramente” or “Driving Clearly,” and it plans aims to utilize media, social outreach and community efforts to reduce the amounts of driving while under the influence that occurs in Ventura. Safety officials are concerned that consumers taking advantage of legal recreational marijuana programs will become confused and think it is okay to drive while high.
Penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
Under California law, driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance, including marijuana, is illegal. If you arrested for DUI of marijuana, you could face serious penalties. The specifics of the penalties you could face are determined by the circumstance surrounding the arrest of your DUI. Assuming no one was injured or killed and there wasn’t extensive property damage to a third party’s vehicle, you could face between 96 hours and 6 months in jail, fines between $390 and $1000 and up to six months license suspension. You could also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car once you regain your driving privileges.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Ventura County, retaining a skilled Ventura DUI defense attorney could help you have a more favorable outcome. Contact our offices today for more information.