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Criminal Defense

San Bernardino Drug DUI Lawyers

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Defense for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Charges in San Bernardino County

Being charged with driving under the influence of drugs in San Bernardino is a serious matter that can result in harsh criminal penalties, loss of driving privileges, and long-lasting damage to your reputation. California law makes it illegal to drive under the influence of any drug that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely, whether the substance is illegal, prescribed, or even over-the-counter.

At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, our drug DUI lawyers in San Bernardino, CA provide experienced legal representation for individuals accused of driving under the influence of drugs. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.

What Is a Drug DUI in California?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f), it is a criminal offense to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any drug that impairs your ability to drive safely. This includes illegal drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, prescription medications like painkillers or anti-anxiety drugs, and even legally obtained marijuana.

You can be arrested for a drug DUI in San Bernardino if:

  • An officer believes you were driving while impaired

  • You show signs of drug use or intoxication during a traffic stop

  • You fail field sobriety tests or a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation

  • A blood or urine test reveals the presence of drugs in your system

Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, there is no legal limit for most drugs. Instead, law enforcement relies on subjective observations, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results to justify an arrest.

Common Drugs Involved in DUI Cases

Drug DUI charges in San Bernardino can stem from the use of many different substances. Some of the most common include:

  • Marijuana

  • Prescription painkillers such as Vicodin or OxyContin

  • Anti-anxiety medications like Xanax or Valium

  • Sleep aids such as Ambien

  • Methamphetamine

  • Cocaine

  • Heroin or other opioids

  • Over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness or delayed reaction times

Even legal use of a prescribed medication can lead to a DUI charge if the prosecution believes the drug impaired your driving ability.

How Drug DUI Arrests Happen in San Bernardino

Drug DUI arrests typically begin with a traffic stop for a suspected violation such as speeding, weaving, or erratic driving. If the officer suspects drug impairment, they may conduct field sobriety tests and call in a Drug Recognition Expert, also known as a DRE.

The process often includes:

  • Observations of the driver’s appearance, speech, and behavior

  • Field sobriety tests to assess coordination and balance

  • DRE evaluation for signs of drug use

  • Blood or urine testing to detect the presence of drugs

Because the effects of drugs vary widely and testing is not always reliable, these cases often hinge on subjective opinions and circumstantial evidence, making experienced legal representation essential.

Penalties for Drug DUI in San Bernardino County

A conviction for a drug DUI carries penalties similar to an alcohol-related DUI, with additional consequences for repeat offenses or cases involving injury.

For a first-time offense, penalties may include:

  • Up to 6 months in county jail

  • Fines and penalty assessments totaling over $2,000

  • A 4 to 10 month driver’s license suspension

  • Mandatory DUI education programs

  • Probation for 3 to 5 years

Repeat offenses, refusal to submit to testing, or DUI with injury can lead to felony charges, extended jail or prison time, and longer license suspensions. A drug DUI conviction also becomes part of your permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, insurance rates, and professional licensing.

How Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration Can Help

Our San Bernardino drug DUI lawyers take a strategic, aggressive approach to defending individuals charged with driving under the influence of drugs. We understand how these cases are built and how to challenge flawed or insufficient evidence.

We may be able to defend your case by:

  • Challenging the legality of the traffic stop

  • Disputing the qualifications or findings of the Drug Recognition Expert

  • Questioning the accuracy and reliability of chemical tests

  • Presenting evidence of lawful prescription use without impairment

  • Demonstrating that symptoms attributed to drug use were caused by medical conditions, fatigue, or other factors

  • Seeking reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or case dismissal

Our legal team works closely with toxicologists, medical experts, and other professionals to build a strong defense and protect your rights.

riverside drug dui lawyers

Drug DUI and the DMV License Suspension

In addition to criminal penalties, a drug DUI arrest in San Bernardino can result in an administrative license suspension through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV process is separate from the court case, and you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing to contest the suspension.

If you fail to request a DMV hearing, your license will be automatically suspended, regardless of the outcome in court. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we handle both DMV hearings and criminal court proceedings to fight for your driving privileges and provide comprehensive legal defense.

Local Experience in San Bernardino DUI Cases

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in San Bernardino County courts, including:

  • San Bernardino Justice Center

  • Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse

  • Fontana Courthouse

  • Victorville Courthouse

  • Joshua Tree Courthouse

We serve clients throughout the county, including San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Rialto, Redlands, Victorville, Hesperia, and surrounding communities. Our familiarity with local court procedures, judges, and prosecutors allows us to provide a knowledgeable and effective defense tailored to your case.

Why Choose Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration

Drug DUI cases require a defense strategy that is both legally sound and scientifically informed. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we offer:

  • Extensive experience defending DUI and drug-related charges

  • A thorough understanding of DUI testing procedures and common flaws

  • Aggressive, personalized legal strategies

  • Access to expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence

  • A strong track record of favorable results for our clients

We fight to protect your rights, minimize the penalties, and help you avoid the long-term consequences of a drug DUI conviction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug DUI in San Bernardino

Can I get a DUI for using prescription medication?

Yes, even legally prescribed medication can lead to a DUI charge if the drug impairs your ability to drive safely. It does not matter if you have a valid prescription if your driving is affected.

How long do drugs stay in your system for DUI testing?

The detection window depends on the drug and type of test. Some drugs can be detected for days or even weeks, but that does not always mean you were impaired at the time of driving.

Do I have to take a blood test for a drug DUI in California?

If you are lawfully arrested for DUI, you are required to submit to a chemical test, which is usually a blood test for drug DUIs. Refusing the test can result in additional penalties, including automatic license suspension.

What happens if I am convicted of a drug DUI in San Bernardino?

A drug DUI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, license suspension, mandatory education programs, and a permanent criminal record. With experienced legal representation, you may be able to avoid or reduce these penalties.

Speak With a San Bernardino Drug DUI Lawyer Today

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in San Bernardino, do not face the legal system alone. Drug DUI cases are complex, and the penalties can be severe. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we are ready to protect your rights, fight the charges, and guide you through the process.

Call us today at 909-773-2356 to schedule your free, confidential consultation with our experienced drug DUI lawyers in San Bernardino, CA. We are here to help you take control of your case and protect your future.