A new survey shows that a majority of Californians believe drivers under the influence of drugs should face the same penalties as drivers who are convicted for operating under the influence of alcohol, reports The Car Connection.
The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that almost 70 percent of those surveyed approve of harsh penalties for drivers who are operating under the influence of drugs. The study also showed a strong support for sobriety checkpoints. It is not clear how the government will use this study, which involved 1,671 Californians.
According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 18 percent of all fatal car accidents involve drugs other than alcohol. California Vehicle Code 23152 (a) states: “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”
While driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offense, it is also important to remember that many drivers are wrongfully accused of driving under the influence. Mistakes can be made by police officers during an arrest or during a drug test that may result in a wrongful conviction of an innocent driver. Anyone facing serious driving under the influence charges would be well-advised to contact a criminal defense attorney.
The experienced Los Angeles DUI defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan have an excellent track record of defending Los Angeles drivers who have been accused of driving under the influence of drugs. If you or a loved one is facing drug crime charges in Los Angeles, Orange or Ventura counties, please call our law office right away at 1-866-430-8383 to find out more information about your legal rights.