Famous actor, now the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed the bill declaring the substance marijuana, if carried in amounts less than an ounce to be liable to warrant someone a fine. This is because it constitutes an infraction but does not require a criminal lawyer to contest the case since it has been decriminalized. California is not the first state to decriminalize or attempt to decriminalize marijuana but it could be considered a “vanguard of a national movement” that leads towards the ultimate decriminalization of the drug.
Opposition
Silas Miers is the spokesman of California Mothers Against Drunk Driving. With this bill being signed, they foresee an increase in cases of minor and major DUI charges. Miers vociferously stated, "With legalization of recreational marijuana use, impaired driving, fatalities, injuries and crashes will go up, and we don't want to see that."
Proper Representation
In the state of California, if a person is charged with a DUI (Driving Under Influence) of alcohol, any kind of drug, or even a combination of both, a DUI attorney needs to be hired within the statute of limitations observed in the state. DUI charges can be quite hefty and depending on if it’s a first timer or a repeated offender as well as the nature of damage caused, a person’s future might be at stake. In cases like these, a DUI attorney is the best bet to ensure that the outcome of the case is a positive one for the person charged. A public defender is just not the same.
Groundbreaking Laws
Just like new laws decriminalizing marijuana in California will be unique and special, DUI laws are also winded and different here. One needs to find a DUI lawyer who is experienced in handling cases within the jurisdiction of California law. A quality DUI attorney will know the loopholes of DUI law and will thus be able to assure you of the best possible outcome.
A Revenue Stream
Whether the decriminalization of carrying marijuana causes the state of California increased grief in terms of DUI charges and misdemeanors is for us to see as yet. Specialized DUI attorneys might just be able to save more lives and rake in more money thanks to this new code.
