Marijuana and DUI/DWI Cases in St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, and Ramsey County
With recent legal developments involving marijuana use here in Minnesota, we have been seeing a renewed focus by law enforcement to stop and arrest those for driving under the influence of marijuana in St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood, Little Canada, White Bear and the rest of Ramsey County. That being said, there are some serious limitations in the tests used by law enforcement, how they are applied, when they are applied and the sufficiency of the tests themselves. If you are facing serious DWI charges with marijuana, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
“Jack was recently ranked as one of the top DWI lawyers in St. Paul. He is also an active member of the National College of DUI Defense ad recently graduated from Standard Field Sobriety Test program..”
Testing at the Roadside for Marijuana Usage
Detecting marijuana intoxication on Ramsey County roadways remains a challenge, so long as no roadside test exists that functions like a breathalyzer for alcohol. There is simply no basic number that says, you are over the legal limit for THC. While field sobriety tests can indicate impairment, they are not designed to detect marijuana use. Instead, law enforcement relies on trained drug recognition evaluators to identify signs of marijuana intoxication. However, measuring impairment based on THC levels is problematic since the compound lingers in the body long after its effects have subsided. So, looking at the THC level may or may not have any relevence to determining intoxication. Even the U.S. Department of Justice says this.
If you are facing Marijuana DWI/DUI charges in Ramsey County, call Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
The lack of reliable roadside testing complicates enforcement efforts. Officers look for signs such as red eyes, impaired motor skills, and delayed responses, but these observations alone may not provide sufficient grounds for DWI/DUI charges. To address this issue, authorities are looking at new detection methods, including saliva-based roadside tests and enhanced training for drug recognition evaluators. However, if they are not enough, they aren’t enough. This is where an experienced DWI Defense attorney steps in.
Emerging Technologies and Legal Considerations
Minnesota’s evolving marijuana laws include funding for research into roadside tests specifically for marijuana impairment. While these initiatives may eventually improve enforcement, the timeline for their implementation remains uncertain. In the meantime, arrests continue and knowing how to handle them is paramount.
“Drug Recognition Evaluators used to call themselves Drug Recognition Experts by they are no such thing.”
If you are facing DUI/DWI charges in St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, or anywhere in Ramsey County, consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney St Paul is critical. An attorney with specialized knowledge in marijuana-related cases and field sobriety testing can help navigate the legal complexities. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free, confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. When your job, career, family, and future are at stake, ensure you have Jack Rice Defense on your side.