California Vehicle Code Section 23152(C) VC: Driving While Addicted

While it is widely understood that it is against the law to drive while under the influence of alcohol under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) VC, and many people further understand that driving while under the influence of a drug is similarly illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f) VC, many fail to realize that it is also unlawful to drive while addicted to a drug under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(c) VC. While violations of this Vehicle Code section are not commonly prosecuted, driving while addicted is still a criminal offense in California and conviction can lead to significant penalties.

In order to establish that the defendant was driving while addicted to a drug, the following elements must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. The defendant drove a vehicle


2. AND when he or she drove, the defendant was addicted to a drug.

A drug is defined as a substance or combination of substances, other than alcohol, that can so affect the nervous system, brain, or muscles of a person that it would appreciably impair his or her ability to drive as an ordinarily cautious person, in full possession of his or her faculties and using reasonable care, would drive under similar circumstances.

A person is addicted to a drug if he or she:

1. Has become so physically dependent on the drug that he or she would suffer withdrawal symptoms if deprived of it


2. Has developed a tolerance to the drug's effects and therefore requires higher and stronger doses


3. AND has become emotionally dependent on the drug and experiences a compulsive need to continue its use.

Similar offenses include the following:

1. Driving under the influence of alcohol - California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) VC


2. Driving under the influence of drugs - California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f) VC


3. Driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs – California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f) VC

A man is a heroin addict who has not used for several days. He is suffering severe withdrawal symptoms that affect him physically and mentally. He is stopped while driving his car and arrested after the officer suspects he is impaired. While in police custody, the man admits that he is a heroin addict who is going through withdrawal. He further states that he is not currently receiving treatment. This man could be charged with driving while addicted pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 23152(c) VC.

In another example, a woman going through drug withdrawal is stopped while on the way to the methadone clinic. She explains to the officer that she is a heroin addict going through withdrawal, but she is currently being treated at an approved narcotic treatment program. She would not be guilty of driving while addicted as the statute specifically exempts from prosecution those who are participating in a narcotic treatment program.

As described above, the defendant would not be guilty if he or she is currently participating in an approved narcotic treatment program.

A conviction for driving while addicted will be treated like any other DUI offense and sentencing will depend on how many prior DUI convictions the defendant has. A defendant on a first time offense will be sentenced to a maximum six months in jail, in addition to a mandatory drug and alcohol education class, court fines, DMV license suspension and any other conditions of probation that a judge may elect to impose. A minimum of 48 hours in jail must be imposed on a first time conviction for California Vehicle Code Section 23152(c) VC.

If you or someone you know have been arrested for driving while addicted, it is very important that you discuss your case with a Los Angeles DUI Attorney experienced in handling these types of cases. As a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Michael Kraut knows how to effectively fight all varieties of DUI cases, even those where the allegations involve driving while addicted. Mr. Kraut works hard to ensure his clients’ rights are fiercely protected.

For more information about driving while addicted, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Los Angeles DUI Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc. located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at (323) 464-6453.