Marijuana DUI Defense in Joliet and Will County, Illinois

Facing a marijuana DUI charge in Joliet or Will County can be overwhelming—legal recreational cannabis does not mean you can drive impaired. Even trace amounts of THC can lead to serious criminal charges, license suspension, and long-term consequences for your job, insurance, and record. As a former Joliet prosecutor with over 20 years of experience defending DUI cases, including cannabis-related impaired driving, Jack L. Zaremba knows how local courts and prosecutors handle these complex matters. At the Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba, we aggressively fight marijuana DUI charges in Joliet courts, challenging unreliable tests and officer observations to protect your rights and driving privileges.

We serve clients throughout Will County, including Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Lockport, Crest Hill, New Lenox, Shorewood, Mokena, Frankfort, and surrounding areas. If you've been arrested for driving under the influence of cannabis, contact us immediately for a free consultation.

Understanding Marijuana DUI Laws in Joliet

Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, but driving while impaired by cannabis remains strictly prohibited under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. You can be charged with DUI if:

• There is 5 nanograms or more of delta-9-THC per milliliter of blood or 10 nanograms per milliliter of other bodily substances (like urine or saliva).
• You show signs of impairment, regardless of THC levels—through erratic driving, odor of cannabis, admissions, or failed field sobriety tests.

Medical cannabis cardholders are protected from "per se" charges based solely on THC levels; prosecutors must prove actual impairment. However, no one—medical or recreational users—can drive if cannabis affects safe operation.

In Will County and Joliet, these charges often arise during traffic stops on I-80, I-55, or local roads, where officers use roadside saliva tests or blood draws. THC can linger in your system for days or weeks after use, even without current impairment—creating opportunities for strong defenses.

Penalties for Cannabis DUI in Joliet

Penalties for marijuana DUI match those for alcohol DUI and can escalate quickly:

• First Offense: Class A misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail, fines up to $2,500, probation, mandatory evaluation/treatment, and license suspension and potential revocation.
• Aggravated DUI (repeat offenses, child in vehicle, injury, or high priors): Felony: 1-7+ years prison, higher fines, extended revocation, and possible BAIID requirement.
• License Consequences: Statutory summary suspension (6-12 months or longer for refusal), points on record, and potential revocation leading to reinstatement hearings.

Additional impacts include skyrocketing insurance rates, job loss (especially for CDL holders), firearm restrictions, and a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and custody. We also assist with driver's license reinstatement through our specialized services.

Strong Defenses Against Marijuana DUI Charges

Cannabis DUI cases are highly winnable due to scientific and procedural weaknesses:

• No Correlation to Impairment: THC metabolites linger long after effects wear off—challenge whether levels prove you were impaired while driving.
• Invalid Traffic Stop: Suppress evidence if the stop lacked reasonable suspicion.
• Testing Flaws: Contest blood/saliva accuracy, timing, chain of custody, or lab errors.
• Medical Card Protections: For registered patients, require proof of actual impairment beyond THC presence.
• Field Sobriety Test Issues: Argue tests are unreliable for cannabis or improperly administered.
• Negotiated Outcomes: Seek reductions to reckless driving, court supervision (no conviction), or dismissal.

As a former prosecutor, Jack L. Zaremba understands Will County State's Attorney strategies and has successfully dismissed or reduced numerous cannabis DUI charges in Joliet courts.

Why Choose Jack L. Zaremba for Your Marijuana DUI Defense?

With insider knowledge of Will County courts and over two decades fighting DUI cases, including drugged driving, we provide personalized, aggressive representation focused on results. We handle everything from challenging evidence to negotiating with prosecutors—protecting your license, record, and freedom.

Don't risk harsh penalties alone. Contact the Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba today for a free confidential consultation. Call our Joliet office at 815-740-4025 or visit our contact page. Available 24/7—act now to build your defense.