Truck Drivers Accused of Marijuana DUI in Indiana Have Much to Lose—Possibly Including Their Career

Indiana Senate Bill 201 substantially lessened the penalties for driving with marijuana in your bloodstream. So long as a motorist does not show signs of impairment or cause an accident, they should expect to avoid any criminal charge. However, truckers have always been subject to stricter laws and regulations, and marijuana offenses are no exception.

You should be very concerned about a conviction for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI)—especially involving marijuana— as the legal and professional stakes are high. 

Potential Legal Penalties for a Marijuana OWI Conviction for Truckers in Indiana

If a law enforcement officer deems it necessary, they can arrest a truck driver and charge them with operating while intoxicated. This outcome is even more likely if the officer suspects you’re impaired or conducts a chemical test showing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your system. 

Once the legal process ensues, you must consider the penalties that could arise from an OWI conviction for having a controlled substance in your system. If convicted of OWI, you may face the following:

• Class C misdemeanor: For a first-time OWI offense without special circumstances, you may face up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500.

• Class A misdemeanor: If the circumstances of your arrest escalate the charge to a Class A misdemeanor, you may face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Level 6 Felony: If you have a prior OWI or DUI conviction or other circumstances elevate your charge to a Level 6 Felony, you may face up to 2.5 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.

If you caused an accident resulting in injury, you could even face a Level 5 Felony. These are all steep legal penalties that could prove costly in several ways. 

You Must Also Consider Potential Department of Transportation (DOT) Penalties 

If convicted of OWI in Indiana, you can also expect sanctions from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT does not recognize medical marijuana as a valid reason for a positive marijuana test, so you may need a strong defense from pending DOT sanctions. Your career could be on the line.

We can help. Call Razumich & Associates today at (317) 449-8661 to discuss your defense. You can also contact us online using this submission form.