Marijuana DUI Attorney in Dayton, OH

Our Experienced Marijuana DUI Lawyers in Dayton

Since Ohio began legal marijuana sales in 2024, many people assumed that they could legally drive after using cannabis. However, Ohio imposes mandatory jail or driver intervention sentences for all OVI marijuana convictions.

Our firm has handled hundreds of DUI cases. We have a 95% success rate in obtaining a positive resolution, whether it consists of a dismissal, acquittal, diversion, or plea deal. We strive for professionalism and compassion in all our cases and keep you informed about the developments in your case.

Contact us to learn how an experienced marijuana DUI attorney from Gounaris Abboud can help you.

Penalties for an OVI Charge Involving Marijuana Use

Marijuana driving laws work the same as alcohol driving laws. You may face the following DUI penalties if you drive while impaired or with an amount of marijuana in your system over the legal limit:

Offense	Possible Sentence
First OVI	First-degree misdemeanor Up to six months in jail, three days of mandatory incarceration or driver intervention program Up to $1,075 fine Up to three-year driver’s license suspension
Second OVI in 10 Years	First-degree misdemeanor Up to six months in jail, at least 10 days of mandatory incarceration or house arrest Up to $1,625 fine Drug assessment and treatment Up to seven-year driver’s license suspension
Third OVI in 10 Years	Unclassified misdemeanor Up to one year in jail, at least 30 days of mandatory incarceration or house arrest Up to $2,750 fine Drug assessment and treatment Up to 12-year driver’s license suspension
Fourth or Fifth OVI in 10 Years or Sixth OVI in 20 Years	Fourth-degree felony Up to one year in jail with 60 days of mandatory incarceration Up to $10,500 fine Drug addiction program Possible lifetime driver’s license suspension

Additionally, you may face even harsher penalties if you cause an accident.

Defending You from a Marijuana DUI Charge

Gounaris Abboud has several strategies to defend you. Some options for how to beat marijuana OVI charges include the following:

• Undermine the officer’s observations on the road or during a field sobriety test.
• Challenge the chemical testing results.
• Establish that the police lacked probable cause to stop or test you.

A marijuana DUI lawyer from our firm can review your situation and recommend these or other defenses in your case.

Ohio’s Marijuana Driving Laws

Ohio prohibits operating a vehicle under the influence of cannabis, whether it resulted from smoking weed, eating THC-infused products, or using THC oils. Under Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.19, you can commit a marijuana OVI in three ways:

• Driving abilities impaired by marijuana
• A marijuana blood concentration over the legal limit
• Alcohol or drug impairment and a marijuana blood and urine concentration over the limit

Is it illegal to smoke weed and drive in Ohio? Not always. A driver can legally drive after consuming marijuana if they can drive safely and their concentration is below the limit.

How Our Dayton Marijuana OVI Lawyers Can Help You

A marijuana DUI attorney from Gounaris Abboud provides the following legal assistance when you face criminal charges:

• Discuss your version of what happened and the solutions we might achieve.
• Tailor a strategy to fit the facts and your goals.
• Investigate your case and gather evidence to support your side of the story.
• Negotiate with prosecutors for a dismissal, plea bargain, or diversion.
• Present your defenses to a jury if we cannot reach a deal.
• Advocate for your interests in any sentencing.

Our attorneys fight diligently to help you resolve your case so you can move forward with your life.

Why Gounaris Abboud Excels in Defending Marijuana DUI Cases

Our firm has earned the respect of our clients and peers with the following:

Over 50 years of combined legal experience

A success rate of over 95%

High client ratings, including hundreds of five-star reviews on Google

Awards from prestigious legal publishers like Avvo and SuperLawyers

Frequently Asked Questions
on a Marijuana OVI Charge in Ohio

Can a blood test detect marijuana in a DUI?+

The police can administer blood or urine tests to determine the amount of marijuana in your system. A refusal to submit to a test can result in increased penalties and an automatic driver’s license suspension.

How long after you smoke can you get a DUI in Ohio?+

Everyone metabolizes the THC in marijuana differently. However, THC and its metabolites can stay in your system for hours after smoking — or several days if you are a regular marijuana user.

How long after smoking weed can you drive again?+

You can avoid one type of OVI charge by waiting until the marijuana wears off before driving. However, no one can predict how quickly your body will metabolize THC to avoid driving with a concentration over the legal limit.

What are the new Ohio DUI laws?+

Can you have weed in your car? After legalization, the legal amount of weed to drive with in Ohio is 2.5 ounces of cannabis or up to 15 grams of cannabis extract.

Resources for Marijuana OVI in Ohio

Some resources you can consult to learn about your legal rights and treatment options include the following:

All Rise — The National Association of Drug Court Professionals

This resource explains how judges and substance-use professionals run drug courts.

Marijuana Anonymous in Ohio

Marijuana Anonymous is a voluntary 12-step program for people looking for support while dealing with cannabis addiction.

Ohio Impaired Driving Law

The Ohio Supreme Court summarizes the legal consequences of OVI convictions for marijuana and other intoxicating substances.