Using or Being Under the Influence of Drugs (“under the influence”) is willfully using and being under the influence of a controlled substance or an illegally obtained prescription drug. An under the influence charge can also apply where the defendant has a prescription for the drug, but has taken an amount in excess of the prescribed dosage.
Under the Influence is a misdemeanor. Defendants charged with being under the influence may qualify for drug treatment, instead of jail time, through a Penal Code § 1000 Drug Diversion program or a Proposition 36 drug program.
If you or someone you care about is facing a drug charge, the criminal defense attorneys at the Weinrieb Law Firm can help explain the charges and properly defend against them. We can be reached twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at (818) 933-6555.