California’s DUI laws can be complex and confusing. In this section, our attorneys break down the rules and explain the process.
DUI Laws A to Z
California’s DUI laws can be complex and confusing. In this section, our attorneys break down the rules and explain the process.
DUI Penalties
The impact of a DUI conviction can haunt a person for years to come. But a good attorney can often get penalties reduced…and sometimes even get the case dismissed
DMV & Licenses
A good DUI attorney may be able to get the license suspension reduced, or even avoided altogether
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Xanax is a drug that can be legally prescribed in California. If a person has a legal prescription for Xanax, it is lawful for him to drive after taking the drug, if taken as a medication.
However, it is illegal under California Vehicle Code 23152(f) for a motorist to drive under the influence of drugs (DUID). A driver is guilty of DUID if he can no longer drive like a sober person under similar circumstances due to the taking of any drug (including Xanax). This is no matter if the drug is illegal, prescription or over-the-counter.
DUID is a wobbler offense in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of a case.
If charged as a misdemeanor, penalties for the crime can include:
If charged as a felony, penalties for the offense can include:
What is California Vehicle Code 23152(f) VC?
It is legal for a person to drive in California, while on Xanax, provided that the motorist has a legal prescription for the drug and is not under the influence.
But, VC 23152(f) is the California statute that makes it a crime for a person to drive under the influence of drugs. This means it is a crime for a driver if he can no longer drive like a sober person because of taking too much Xanax (or any other drug for that matter).
California has no specific “legal limit” for drugs that corresponds to the .08% BAC legal limit for alcohol.
So, California law simply states that it is illegal for someone to drive:
What are the penalties for violating Vehicle Code 23152(f) VC?
DUID is a wobbler offense in California. This means the crime can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of a case.
Driving under the influence of drugs, per VC 23152(f), is usually charged as a misdemeanor. The penalties for misdemeanor DUID are the same as for driving under the influence of alcohol.
DUID misdemeanor penalties can include:
A VC 23152(f) violation can be charged as a felony when:
Felony DUID penalties can include:
Are there legal defenses to accusations of driving under the influence of drugs?
Luckily, a person accused of a crime under VC 23152(f) can challenge the accusation by raising a legal defense. The two most common defenses include showing that:
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.