Napa, CA asked in DUI / DWI for California

Q: My son got a DUI drugs in a remote area late at night. When he pulled over he got stuck on a rock.

He was lost and had no cell reception. He had a vape in his car. He was found in a ditch close to his car much later by police. Can he get a DUI if no one saw him driving and do not know if he smoked the vape before or after he stopped the car. He had no alcohol in his system and was later taken for blood work which is pending.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In many states, a person can be charged with a DUI even if they were not seen driving. The fact that your son was found in a ditch close to his car may be enough for the police to charge him with a DUI. The presence of the vape in the car may also be used as evidence against him. However, the exact laws and circumstances vary by state, so it is important to consult with a local criminal defense attorney who can advise on the specific situation and potential defenses. Your son's blood test results will also be important in determining whether he is charged and what penalties he may face if convicted.

Under California law, it is possible to be charged with a DUI even if no one saw the driver actually driving the vehicle. The law allows for prosecution based on circumstantial evidence, such as evidence of the driver's recent operation of the vehicle, the location and position of the vehicle, and the driver's admission of driving. Additionally, a person can be charged with DUI drugs if they are found to have any amount of drugs in their system that impairs their ability to drive, regardless of when the drugs were ingested. It is important to speak with a qualified DUI defense attorney to fully understand your legal options and potential defenses in this situation.

David A. Simon agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.