Defend Against Marijuana DUI Charges in Allen Park

Allen Park residents facing marijuana DUI charges often encounter a legal system that treats THC differently than alcohol. Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in 2018, but driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal. The challenge is that THC, the active compound in marijuana, can stay in your bloodstream for days or even weeks after use, long after any psychoactive effects have disappeared. A positive blood test doesn't prove you were impaired at the time of the stop—it only confirms prior use. This distinction is central to defending against THC-related DUI charges, especially when the arrest stems from subjective officer observations rather than clear evidence of dangerous driving.

Traffic stops in Allen Park often occur along Southfield Road, Outer Drive, or near the Fairlane Town Center area. Officers initiate stops for minor infractions—failing to signal, speeding, or equipment violations—and then look for signs of impairment such as the smell of marijuana, red eyes, or slow responses. These observations are subjective and can result from fatigue, allergies, or stress unrelated to cannabis use. Once an officer suspects marijuana involvement, field sobriety tests and a DRE evaluation may follow, neither of which reliably measures THC impairment. Blood tests taken hours after the stop compound the problem, as THC levels fluctuate and don't correlate directly with driving ability.

Prosecutors in marijuana DUI cases rely on a combination of officer testimony, blood test results, and DRE evaluations. The officer describes your behavior during the stop, noting factors like slurred speech, dilated pupils, or impaired coordination. A drug recognition expert may conduct additional tests, including balance assessments and pupil reaction checks, to support a claim of cannabis impairment. Finally, toxicology labs analyze your blood sample to detect THC. The prosecution presents these pieces as a cohesive narrative, but each component is vulnerable to challenge. Officer observations are subjective, DRE protocols are flawed, and blood tests reveal presence, not impairment.

Defense strategies focus on dismantling this narrative. Was the initial stop lawful, or did the officer lack reasonable suspicion? Did the officer follow proper procedures during field sobriety tests, or were the conditions—uneven pavement, poor lighting, weather—ignored? Was the blood sample collected, stored, and tested according to strict protocols, or were there gaps in the chain of custody? Did the DRE evaluator rush to conclusions without ruling out alternative explanations for the observed symptoms? These questions create reasonable doubt and shift the burden back to the prosecution to prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt, not just the presence of THC in your system.

If you've been charged with marijuana DUI in Allen Park, the prosecution's case may be weaker than it appears. Challenging the stop, the testing procedures, and the assumptions about impairment can lead to reduced charges or case dismissal. Contact us to review the evidence and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

A marijuana DUI conviction in Michigan carries penalties similar to alcohol-related DUI, including potential jail time, fines, license suspension, and a criminal record. For Allen Park residents who commute to Dearborn, Detroit, or work locally in retail, healthcare, or skilled trades, losing driving privileges or gaining a criminal record can disrupt employment and future opportunities. Medical marijuana cardholders face additional scrutiny, as legal use doesn't provide immunity from DUI charges.

• Challenges to THC blood test timing and reliability
• Cross-examination of officers regarding improper stops and weak probable cause
• Review of DRE evaluations for procedural errors and subjective conclusions
• Defense strategies for medical marijuana users charged in Allen Park
• Focus on disproving impairment, not just addressing the presence of cannabis

Marijuana DUI cases hinge on flawed assumptions about how THC affects driving and when impairment can be proven. Blood tests and DRE evaluations don't provide the clarity prosecutors claim, and every stage of the arrest process offers opportunities for challenge. If you're facing charges in Allen Park related to marijuana or THC impairment, building a defense that questions the evidence and focuses on reasonable doubt is essential. Reach out to discuss your case and explore your options for moving forward.