Connecticut Marijuana & Drug DUI Defense Lawyer

A drug-related DUI arrest can derail your life in an instant. Your license, job, and freedom are on the line—and time is critical. The sooner you hire an experienced attorney, the better your chances of protecting your record and avoiding the harsh penalties of a conviction. At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we’ve spent over 30 years defending clients charged with drug and cannabis DUIs in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and across Connecticut. We know the system. We know the law. And we know how to win.

Connecticut has legalized recreational cannabis for adults over 21, but driving under the influence of marijuana or any drug remains illegal and carries the same penalties as an alcohol DUI. Drug-related DUI cases are complex, often relying on subjective police observations and flawed testing methods. At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we have over 30 years of experience defending clients charged with DUI and protecting their rights in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and throughout Connecticut.

As of July 1, 2021, Connecticut law allows adults 21 and older to:

• Possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in public.
• Store up to 5 ounces in a locked container at home or in a vehicle’s trunk/glove box.
• Grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants per household (secure, out of public view).

However, legalization stops at the driver’s seat. Operating a vehicle while impaired by marijuana or other drugs is a serious criminal offense under C.G.S. § 14-227a.

Key Takeaway: Cannabis is legal to possess, but using it before driving can put you at risk of arrest, jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.

Connecticut’s DUI statute makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while “under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug” to the extent that you are unable to drive safely.

• No Legal Limit for THC: Unlike alcohol, where .08 BAC is the standard, there is no set THC threshold. Prosecutors must prove impairment, not just drug presence.
• Subjective Evidence: Most cases rely on officer observations rather than definitive testing.
• Prescription Drugs Count: Even legal prescriptions can lead to a DUI if alleged to impair driving.

Drug DUI cases often involve multiple layers of “evidence,” much of which is open to challenge:

Traffic Stop
Officers must have probable cause or reasonable suspicion to stop your car.
Illegal stops can result in suppression of all evidence.

Officer Observations
Common claims: “bloodshot eyes,” “odor of marijuana,” “slurred speech,” or “delayed responses.”
These signs are subjective and can be caused by fatigue, allergies, or other factors.

Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
Walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests were designed for alcohol.
Poor performance does not necessarily equal drug impairment.

Drug Recognition Experts (DREs)
Some officers are trained as DREs to identify drug impairment.
Their assessments are opinion-based and often lack scientific reliability.

Toxicology Testing
Blood or urine tests may detect drugs long after use.
Presence ≠ Impairment—a crucial distinction in your defense.

The consequences of a drug-related DUI are severe and long-lasting:

First Offense:

• Minimum 48 hours in jail (or 100 hours community service)
• Up to 6 months incarceration
• $500–$1,000 fine
• 45-day license suspension
• Mandatory ignition interlock device

Second & Subsequent Offenses:

• Mandatory jail time
• Longer license suspensions
• Increased fines and possible felony charges

Collateral Consequences:

• Permanent criminal record
• Job loss or career limitations
• Immigration risks for non-citizens
• Increased insurance premiums

For many first-time offenders, the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP) can mean the difference between a devastating conviction and a clean slate.

IDIP is a court-approved diversionary program involving alcohol and drug education or treatment. Successful completion usually results in dismissal of the DUI charge, leaving you without a criminal conviction.

• First-time DUI offenders, including those accused of drug or cannabis DUI.
• Individuals who have not used a DUI-related diversionary program before.

While eligibility might seem straightforward, acceptance is not guaranteed. Judges can deny applications, especially in cases involving drugs. We:

• Prepare compelling applications backed by proof of good character, employment, and community ties.
• Anticipate and address objections from prosecutors.
• Provide guidance through every step of the process to ensure compliance with program requirements.

Result: A successful IDIP completion protects your record, preserves your driving privileges, and safeguards your future opportunities.

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we know that every case is winnable in some way—whether through dismissal, reduction, or a diversionary program. Our strategies include:

• Challenging the Stop: Unlawful stops can invalidate the entire case.
• Attacking Weak Evidence: We expose flaws in FSTs, DRE assessments, and toxicology reports.
• Using Expert Witnesses: Independent toxicologists and medical experts counter the state’s claims.
• Exposing Constitutional Violations: Unlawful searches, coerced statements, and improper procedures are grounds for suppression.
• Pursuing IDIP Aggressively: When appropriate, we ensure clients secure diversion and walk away without a conviction.

Unlike alcohol DUIs, where a .08 BAC creates a presumption of impairment, drug DUIs require the state to prove actual impairment beyond a reasonable doubt. This gives us multiple avenues for defense:

• No objective measurement of impairment exists for cannabis or most drugs.
• Scientific flaws in field sobriety and DRE testing undermine the prosecution’s case.
• Medical explanations for alleged “symptoms” (e.g., red eyes, imbalance) create reasonable doubt.

These weaknesses are why so many drug DUI cases can be successfully challenged—or resolved through diversion.

• Over 30 Years of Experience: Trusted advocate in Connecticut criminal courts.
• Local Knowledge: Familiar with prosecutors, judges, and procedures in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and across the state.
• Proven Track Record: Hundreds of successful DUI defenses, including high-stakes drug cases.
• 24/7 Response: Immediate help when you need it most.

• Stay Calm & Silent: Do not answer questions beyond providing ID.
• Do Not Consent to Searches: Without a warrant, politely refuse.
• Call a Lawyer Immediately: Early intervention can make the difference between conviction and dismissal.

A marijuana or drug DUI charge in Connecticut can derail your life—but with the right lawyer, you can fight back. At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we combine decades of experience, strategic defense, and relentless advocacy to protect our clients’ futures.

Call (203) 357-5555 today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us review your case, explain your options, and start building the strongest defense possible.