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Burbank DUI With Drugs

The crime of operating a motor vehicle while impaired may be prosecuted in Burbank regardless of whether the allegation involves driving under the influence of alcohol or driving under the influence of drugs. The consequences for driving under the influence of drugs in Burbank can be harsh and long-lasting, especially when illegal narcotics are discovered in the vehicle or on the defendant's person. In these circumstances, prosecutors may charge the defendant with a Burbank drug crime.

When someone is accused of driving under the influence of drugs, they would not have a blood-alcohol level so they are usually only charged with California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) VC (driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs).

Under the statute, a person can be charged for driving under the influence of any drug that has an impairing or intoxicating effect, even if it is a properly prescribed medication. As a result, someone can be arrested for driving under the influence of drugs when they were taking the drug in question on doctor's orders. The Court is concerned with keeping impaired drivers off the road, even if the impairment is caused by a legally prescribed drug. For people on prescription medications, it is important to review any and all safety material regarding whether or not one can drive while using the medication.

The process for DUI drug cases in Burbank is similar to the Burbank DUI Process when alcohol intoxication is suspected, with some key differences. In order to initiate the stop of a vehicle, the officer must have reasonable cause that the driver is violating the law. This is usually an observed violation of the Vehicle Code or other infraction. After stopping a vehicle and interacting with its driver, a law enforcement officer would then have to form an opinion regarding the driver's intoxication based on observed symptoms, such as red/watery eyes, slurred speech and other physical indications that someone may be under the influence of a narcotic.

The vast majority of law enforcement officers receive training as to how to identify alcohol intoxication during DUI stops. The same is not true for drug intoxication. Instead law enforcement officers rely on certain officers who are certified as Drug Recognition Experts ("DRE"). These DRE officers can be called to assist in a traffic stop in order to help identify and evaluate a driver who is suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs. There is no easy way to measure drug intoxication scientifically, and any DUI Drugs case in Burbank requires that further forensic testing be completed on a defendant's blood or urine sample.

Because the California DMV can only suspend driving privileges for motorists who drive with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, the DMV does not take administrative action for those accused of driving under the influence of drugs in Burbank. However, if that driver is ultimately convicted of DUI in court, the DMV would then issue a license suspension as a mandatory action triggered by the court conviction.

A conviction for DUI with drugs in Burbank can carry harsh penalties and consequences. Someone convicted of this offense can be sentenced to serve custody time in jail, pay substantial court fines and assessments, attend alcohol/drug classes, and perform hours of community service or community labor. There are other collateral consequences that one should be wary of. In some cases, someone convicted of this offense would have to register as a narcotics offender with police and items such as security clearances can be threatened. In addition, this type of conviction on a criminal record can frighten away potential employers and may prevent people from being able to rent certain apartments.

There are several ways that an experienced DUI defense attorney in Burbank can fight charges of driving under the influence of drugs. Because officers are not uniformly trained on recognizing drug intoxication, a skilled lawyer can challenge their observations and whether there was reasonable cause to stop the defendant's car. In addition, a drug test can be misleading, as certain substances may be prone to false positives or else can remain in one's body well after their intoxicating effect has diminished.

If you are facing an allegation of DUI drugs in Burbank, it is very important that you speak with an experienced Burbank DUI attorney as soon as possible. Burbank DUI Attorney Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience. Mr. Kraut was formerly assigned to handle cases at the Burbank Courthouse and established a reputation there as a skilled and formidable litigator who has a deep knowledge of the DUI law. Mr. Kraut fights hard on behalf of his clients charged with driving under the influence of drugs to make sure they have the best representation possible.

For more information about Burbank DUI with Drugs, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Burbank DUI Defense Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, Burbank, CA 91505. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 818-563-9810.


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Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
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I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
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Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
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Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
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Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.
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