Marysville Drug DUI Attorney

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

When most people think of “driving under the influence,” they think of DUIs involving alcohol, but, in Washington, it’s also possible to receive a DUI for being under the influence or impaired by drugs. This includes illegal substances, prescription drugs, and even certain over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or sleeping aids. 

Drug-related DUI cases often rely on subjective observations rather than clear-cut numbers. Unlike alcohol DUIs, where officers have breath tests and well-established legal limits, drug DUIs are usually built on an officer’s interpretation of your behavior, physical appearance, or driving. In recent years, police departments throughout Washington have increased their use of Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). While these officers receive specialized training, their evaluations are not foolproof. Their conclusions can be influenced by assumptions, rushed or improper procedures, or symptoms that have nothing to do with impairment.

If you’ve been arrested for drug DUI in Marysville, the most important thing you can do is talk to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. DUIHeroes is available 24/7 for immediate guidance.

Call (425) 296-9358 for a free and confidential consultation.

What Counts as a Drug DUI in Washington?

Washington’s DUI laws cover more than alcohol. You can be charged with DUI involving drugs (DUID) if an officer believes your ability to drive was affected by any substance. 

This includes but is not limited to: 

• Illegal drugs
• Marijuana
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Any combination of substances

For marijuana specifically, Washington law allows prosecutors to charge you with DUI if a blood test shows 5.00 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood or more within two hours of driving. But even that number can be misleading—THC metabolizes differently from alcohol, and levels can vary widely depending on factors like metabolism, tolerance, and timing.

In some cases, the state may move forward with charges even if your blood test showed extremely low or therapeutic levels of a legal medication. These arrests often hinge on subjective observations rather than solid scientific evidence, which is where a strong defense becomes critical.

Penalties for Drug DUI in Washington

The penalties for a drug-related DUI in Washington are as serious as those for an alcohol-related DUI. 

A conviction for DUID in Marysville can lead to:

• Probation
• Jail time
• Significant fines
• Driver’s license suspension
• Chemical dependency evaluation and recommended treatment
• Mandatory educational courses or counseling
• A DUI victim’s impact panel
• Vehicle impoundment
• Community service

These are serious consequences, even for a first offense. Penalties can increase if you have prior DUI-related offenses, refused testing, or if someone was injured. Drug DUI convictions also create a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and, in some cases, even your ability to travel internationally.

Because so much is at stake, it’s essential to work with a Marysville DUI lawyer who understands the science behind drug impairment—and the weaknesses that often exist in the state’s case.

Why Drug DUI Cases Are Often Flawed

One of the biggest challenges with drug DUI cases is that there is no reliable, standard roadside test for impairment. Officers rely on physical cues—like bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or slowed movements—that could easily be explained by fatigue, stress, allergies, medical conditions, or the effects of prescribed medication.

Even blood tests, which prosecutors often treat as definitive, have their own issues. Errors in collection, storage, or laboratory testing can affect results. If timing is off, the two-hour window required for THC measurement may not have been followed. And for most drugs, there is no legal threshold that automatically proves impairment, which means the state must rely heavily on interpretation and assumption. These weaknesses give experienced defense attorneys, like ours, several opportunities to challenge the charges.

Building a Defense in Your Marysville Drug DUI Case

Our team at DUIHeroes focuses exclusively on DUI and DUI-related offenses. That narrow focus matters—drug DUI cases involve complex science, evolving legal standards, and the need to scrutinize every detail of the officer’s evaluation.

When building a defense, we look closely at whether:

• The officer had a lawful basis to pull you over
• The DRE evaluation (if performed) followed proper protocol
• The blood sample was collected and handled correctly
• Testing equipment was calibrated, maintained, and used properly
• Medical conditions, fatigue, or anxiety could explain “signs” of impairment
• The test results were interpreted accurately
• The state is relying on assumptions rather than objective evidence

Our attorneys have completed the same NHTSA training that police officers use to conduct field sobriety evaluations, and our founder is certified as an instructor in these standards. Because we understand exactly how these tests are supposed to be administered—and how easily they can be misapplied—we can identify mistakes that other firms may overlook.

Why Choose Our Drug DUI Attorneys in Marysville? 

People facing drug DUI charges in Marysville turn to DUIHeroes because we bring an unmatched level of focus, training, and dedication to DUI defense. We don’t split our attention across multiple areas of law; this all we do. Our firm includes former prosecutors who know how the state builds these cases, and we use that insight to stay one step ahead in negotiations, motions, and trial.

Just as importantly, we take care of our clients. You will have direct access to your attorney, consistent updates through a secure client portal, and guidance through every stage of the process. Since 2009, we have achieved a 95% average success rate in reducing or dismissing first-offense DUI charges*, reflecting the strength of our methods and our commitment to fighting for every client.

Talk to a Marysville Drug DUI Attorney Today

A drug DUI charge can impact your license, job, reputation, and future opportunities. You don’t have to navigate this alone. The sooner we get involved, the more options we have to challenge the state’s evidence and protect your rights.

Call (425) 296-9358 now for a free consultation with a Marysville drug DUI lawyer. We’re available 24/7 to help you take the first step toward a strong defense.