The use of marijuana has been increasingly welcome over the past few decades. At first, experts and users alike hail marijuana’s amazingly-effective health benefits. Recently, the recreational use of marijuana has also become widely accepted.
This fact is true not just in Michigan, but also across the U.S. However, marijuana remains a highly-addictive psychoactive drug, and it can significantly affect a person’s state of mind. In particular, it has a huge impact on any individual driving behind the wheel.
Using Recreational Marijuana Why Driving is Basically DUI
A common misconception among users is that because marijuana is legal, they can use it in many instances. Driving under the influence is a common example of this instance. Once these DUI drivers get caught, they can get their licenses revoked. At this moment, these DUI drivers become more defensive, invoking that what they’re using is legitimate.
These DUI drivers are not entirely wrong. Recreational use of marijuana has now been legal, and driving with a license is also very much legal. However, these two activities do not go well together. It’s very similar to alcohol use: drinking alcohol is legal, but drunk driving is not.
The Science of using Marijuana and How it Affects Driving Behavior
The stance against driving under the influence of marijuana is not entirely a legal and social issue. This legal stance is rooted in the neuropsychological effects of the drug on anyone doing a risky task.
In particular, driving is a complex and strenuous task that requires maximum attention and sobriety. As a psychoactive drug, marijuana distorts the driver’s concentration and reflexes. As a result, it can become catastrophic not only for the driver but also with other accident victims.
The Michigan Law on the Use of Recreational Marijuana
Based on these medical implications and potentially-disastrous consequences, the Michigan Law holds a firm hand on this issue. For instance, the law makes it clear what is legal and what is not.
The state of Michigan, in particular, clearly defines what makes you sober as a driver. To prove your sobriety, you must have clear evidence that the drug issue is under control. That means that you must have abstained from the drug for a sufficient period.
Under Michigan Law, once you lose your license for multiple DUI’s, you’re automatically presumed to have marijuana issues. It does not matter how seldom you use nor how heavy you use the drug. If you get caught for DUI, you have a high chance to get your driving privileges revoked – for life.
If it’s your first time to get caught, should you worry much about getting your licensed revoked? Well, not much. For your first DUI case, you won’t get your license instantly revoked. The offense is meant for habitual DUI offenders.
In Michigan, you are considered to be a habitual DUI offender if you fulfill one of two scenarios. First, if you get convicted of two DUI’s within seven years; or three DUI’s within 10 years. So if it’s your first offense, consider that case as your final warning.
What You Can Do to Get Your Michigan License Back
There are a series of things you should do if you want your driver’s license back. First, you need to file a license appeal. This, actually, is the easy part. Winning your appeal is another story. That is because driving privileges are only restored if you can prove that you don’t use drugs anymore.
Also, you should commit your whole life to be sober. That means that if you want to drive again, you’ll have to quit doing marijuana for good. It will be hard, but you’ll find helpful ways to guide you with turning over a new leaf.
Aside from therapy and counseling, you will need all the help you can get from all types possible. Specifically, you will need strong legal advice to guide you on what steps you must take on next. Trust the legal firm that has a broad knowledge of drugs and driving laws. They may even represent you in court to win the case for you.
Seek Legal Advice from the Best Driving Lawyers in Michigan
It is your responsibility to find the best attorneys to represent your case to restore your Michigan license. Winning a license appeal is very hard. Having strong evidence, as well as knowledgeable and expert lawyers, are your keys to your license back.
We at The Clark Law Office are the expert Lansing criminal attorneys you are looking for. Do not hesitate to contact us at 517-347-6900 for a free initial legal consultation.
