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Denver marijuana DUI defense lawyer

Receiving a DUI or DWAI for drugged driving is not a new concept. Each state has laws discouraging people from using motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs. Colorado is no different.

Understanding Colorado’s Marijuana DUI/DWAI Limits

Colorado finds itself in a unique position regarding drug-related DUI/DWAI charges. As only one of two states with legal marijuana, the Centennial State needed to establish a blood level limit of active THC. The limit was needed to help police determine if a person is “too stoned to drive.”

To determine if a motorist is under the influence, the limit for Delta 9- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in marijuana, was set at 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood. Five nanograms or higher results in a marijuana-related DUI charge and below 5 nanograms can result in a DWAI charge.

Five nanograms per milliliter is not a large amount by any stretch of the imagination. A nanogram is equal to 1 billionth of a gram. To illustrate just how small that is, consider this: a paperclip weighs one gram. Slice that paperclip into one billion equal pieces. Each slice is equal to one nanogram- Colorado has deemed five nanograms to be the legal limit per milliliter of blood. A milliliter being equal to 20 drops of liquid. That wouldn’t be enough to fill your tablespoon half way.

Testing Methods and Controversies Surrounding THC Levels

There are four different types of tests used to detect the use of marijuana, but only a blood or saliva swab detect active Delta 9 – THC. Urine and hair drug tests only detect the byproducts left by your body breaking down THC. This limits law enforcement’s testing options to a saliva or blood test. A blood test is the most common marijuana drug test Colorado law enforcement officers use.

The saliva test allegedly detects the THC level and the recency of marijuana use. Yet saliva testing isn’t being widely used, leaving the blood draw as the most common test. Blood testing provides police with accurate THC levels, but that is where the controversy lies in this matter.

Opponents say the law is unfair to habitual users and those with medical marijuana cards. Since THC stays in the body longer, habitual users are in constant violation of current marijuana DUI laws. Denver area pot critic “William Breathes,” wrote how long marijuana stayed in his system. Breathes, a self-admitted daily user of marijuana, abstained from marijuana for three days. He then submitted to a blood test. The results showed a THC level 3 times the legal limit in his system, even after 72 hours. You can read his post here.

The law can change in the future. After more research on marijuana and impairment, politicians could change the legal limit. Case rulings can also alter the way the law is applied, but any change through those methods will be slow coming.

Seeking Legal Help After a Marijuana DUI/DWAI Charge

Regardless of whether you agree with the limit or not, it is the law in Colorado on marijuana-related DUI/DWAI charges. Colorado residents using marijuana should not get behind the wheel. Even if they “feel fine,” or think the effects have worn off, it’s in everyone’s best interest if someone else drives. If that’s not an option, a bus or cab ride would also be cheaper than a DWAI/DUI charge.

Yet, we’re all human and we all make mistakes. A DUI/DWAI charge for marijuana or alcohol is an dangerous and expensive mistake. DUI/DWAI laws are not forgiving to those who are charged with violating them.

But this type of mistake doesn’t make you a bad person. We’re all human and should be treated like such. That’s where Wolf Law is different from other criminal defense attorneys in Colorado. If you are charged with a pot-related DUI or DWAI, contact a marijuana defense lawyer at our law firm at any time. Wolf Law is confidential and the initial consultation is free.

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I hired Mr. Wolf to represent me in my efforts to obtain a permanent civil protection order against the person who committed a crime against me. This person is currently incarcerated for the crime but is being considered for parole. Due to Mr. Wolf’s criminal law background, and his outstanding attorney ratings, I believed him to be the best legal professional to successfully represent my safety and security concerns in court. I was not wrong!!

Mr. Wolf expertly and succinctly prepared the protection order paperwork on my behalf, prepared me for my court appearance in a direct and as complete a manner as possible, and successfully represented me in court. He also expressed sincere kindness towards me from the day I hired him to the conclusion of my case. Another attorney without a criminal law background may have been able to have successfully obtained a permanent civil protection order on my behalf; however, I was unwilling to take that chance given the criminal background of my case. I will be forever grateful to Mr. Wolf for his successful representation of me, and for making my safety and security one of his top priorities.

— Teresa M

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When you get charged with a crime it is tough to deal with, mostly because you are embarrassed and disappointed with yourself for what you have done. I was charged with theft and was very worried about what type of impact that would have on my business professional career when applying for jobs. I contacted a few lawyers but knew that Jeff was the right direction to take. He made me feel more at ease knowing that people make mistakes and that this would not effect my whole life. He was very helpful and quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had.

During my time with Jeff he made me feel very comfortable and I knew going into everything what to expect, what to say, and how to present myself. Whether you hire a lawyer or not is your own decision. But to me what Jeff was able to provide was well worth it. I literally told him my story, how I felt and what type of outcome I was looking for on the first day. Besides showing up with him to court he did everything else and took care of everything. We were sentenced to the verdict that we were looking for and now I can move forward and put this case behind me. Thanks for all your help Jeff it was much appreciated.

— Nick

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Cassandra at Wolf Law did an excellent job in my legal matter. I would highly recommend her office to my family and friends.

— Dan L.

Professional. Attentive. Experienced. Successful.

I was referred to Jeff by one of my friends who was recently represented by Wolf Law in his DUI case; I will be forever grateful for that recommendation. Jeff made this extremely stressful process feel much more manageable from start to finish. He was always responsive and highly communicative, even throughout my barrage of anxiety driven questioning. He was a maestro in the courtroom and was able to get me the absolute minimum penalties. He even got certain areas of my very unique case dismissed – saving me thousands of dollars in the process. While I hope I never have to, I will surely be recommending Wolf Law as DUI representation to any of my friends and family in the future.

— Anonymous

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Jeff is very professional, knowledgeable, and as good of a lawyer as there is. I had a restraining order full of false allegations, and Jeff got everything dismissed. Even though it was a restraining order, Jeff treated my case as important as any other case. Thanks, Jeff!

— Anonymous

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Mr. Wolf is an incredible attorney to work with. My father and I have spent some time over the past 10 years with him, and have always seen fantastic results from different types of situations. He is very intelligent, honest, and diligent about any work brought his way.

I highly recommend Mr. Wolf and will call him first, anytime I need legal advice or representation!

Thank you Jeff!

— Greg

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After a misread medical record, I was wrongly accused of a serious crime. Even though doctors admitted that the nurse misstated the severity of an injury, law enforcement tried to destroy my life. Law enforcement threatened to take away my wife, my kids and my life. I called around to a couple of attorneys, and no one offered the type of first-class customer service that Jeff provided. He was immediately available. Throughout the process, Jeff was there to guide and protect me. He was always available. And, after a long journey together, we found justice and freedom. During the process, I found Jeff to be intelligent, determined and highly personable. I strongly recommend Jeff!

— Anonymous

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I cant say enough positive things about my experience with Jeff Wolf. This was my first time needing a lawyer for representation, and Jeff made me feel informed and secure throughout the whole process. I couldn’t have asked for a better person on my side. He was able to navigate me thru a stressful time and it meant the world to me. He was great with DA; calm, but firm and determined to get me the best possible result. Also, the presiding judge clearly thought highly of Jeff Wolf. I would highly recommend Jeff Wolf to anyone looking for legal representation.

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I had a wonderful experience with Wolf Law firm. Colleen Kelly treated me with the up most respect, gave me solid advice and was there every time I needed her. I highly encourage you to hire her as your attorney should you need one. My experience with her was great.

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