Cannabis DUI Charges On The Rise Says Chicago Based Attorney

January 30, 2019 – – Chicago, Illinois based law firm, The Law Office of Purav Bhatt, would like to announce that, following the change in legislation of the DUI threshold for cannabis, they are available 24 hours a day to help anyone facing this charge in the Greater Chicago area. This service extends to the many surrounding areas as well, including Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Lincolnwood, and more.

“Recently we have seen a noticeable rise in charges related to driving under the influence of cannabis. I will fight any felony or misdemeanor cannabis-related DUI traffic cases from arrest to trial,” stated Purav Bhatt, of The Law Office of Purav Bhatt.

Bhatt is a former Cook County State’s Attorney. He is one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Chicago, with vast firsthand trial experience in the methods of prosecution and the processes which must be followed. His firm now provides their services to clients who may be bewildered the prospect of facing a Cannabis DUI charge, in addition to clients charged with a variety of other offenses.

The new state statute defines what it means to drive under the influence of cannabis at five or more nanograms of THC in their blood, or ten or more nanograms of THC in their saliva. “Prior to this change, DUI charges could be brought against anyone with even trace amounts of THC,” said Mr. Bhatt.

THC stays in the blood for several days, so it can be difficult to determine whether the driver’s motor function, or driving, was impaired at the time they were stopped. Illinois has some of the nation’s strictest laws for DUI drivers. The penalties for Cannabis DUI offenses are similar to alcohol related DUI offenses for a first-time DUI offense, and can include up to 364 days in the county jail, up to a year’s license suspension, attendance at substance abuse treatment programs, and drug testing, as well as court costs fees and fines. A DUI offence can prevent people from accessing many types of preferable employment.

Illinois law allows the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes for those who are aged 18 year of age or older, though this must be registered. Drivers may not operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis prescribed for medical purposes, and there are requirements for the transport of medicinal cannabis as well.

Determining whether a driver’s actions are impaired due to cannabis can be difficult, as there are questions about the reliability of some of the testing. However, drivers need to know how DUI laws apply regarding cannabis. Even if the driver was legally using cannabis at the time they were pulled over, they may still be liable to have charges brought against them.

“It is still against the law to drive under the influence of marijuana, even with a medical marijuana card. Since an officer may charge a driver with a Cannabis DUI and prove the offense through chemical, observational, and circumstantial evidence, it is vital that anyone charged seek professional advice,” said Bhatt.

The Law Office of Purav Bhatt cannot guarantee the outcome of a case, but they can help clients navigate the legal system by appearing with defendants at court if they are required to appear, decide on the best plea bargain to make, practice giving testimony and other strategies, and file the documents required by the court. They can also help defendants understand their charges, penalties, and any other legal requirements. Anything from a faulty breathalyzer test to dental work and even mouthwash can impact test results. A good Cannabis DUI attorney will know how to prove the difference between bad driving and a possible Cannabis DUI. “As Cannabis DUI charges can be made at any time of the day or night, we are prepared to stand by our clients when they need us,” assured Bhatt.

The Law Office of Purav Bhatt can service a variety of cases, including DUI & Drunk Driving charges, Drug Offenses, Traffic Violation, Federal Crimes, Weapons Charges, Theft Crimes, Robbery, Retail Theft & Shoplifting, Probation Violations, Domestic Violence, Burglary, Assault and Battery, Expungements/Sealing, Misdemeanor Crimes, and Felonies.

For further information, contact Purav Bhatt, The Law Office of Purav Bhatt, Chicago, Illinois. Visitors can use the included contact details or call directly from the website at https://bhattchicagodefenselaw.com/. Directions to The Law Office of Purav Bhatt are easily accessible through Google Maps or any internet browser.

###

For more information about The Law Office of Purav Bhatt, contact the company here:

The Law Office of Purav Bhatt
Purav Bhatt
(773) 791-9682
bhattchicagodefenselaw1@gmail.com
The Law Office of Purav Bhatt
1655 S Blue Island Ave #312,
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 791-9682

ReleaseID: 60024752