MenuDid you know that you could face criminal charges in Michigan for driving after smoking a single marijuana cigarette or taking a prescription pain reliever? The charge is OWPD, which means “operating with the presence of drugs.”
You could also be charged with a drunk driving offense if you are visibly impaired from a combination of drugs and alcohol, even though you are below the legal blood alcohol content limit.
At George Law, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss the charges you face. Attorney Derrick E. George has over 10 years of experience defending people who are accused of driving offenses involving drugs or alcohol.
WHAT IS OPERATING WITH THE PRESENCE OF DRUGS?
OWPD means to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, LSD, prescription drugs or other controlled substances. Many different types of drugs can lead to criminal charges:
- Prescription pain relievers containing opiates/opioids
- Sleeping pills
- Synthetic marijuana
- Cough suppressants containing codeine
- A combination of drugs
Unlike DUI/OWI, there is no legal limit for operating with the presence of drugs. If police can find any traces of drugs in your system, you may face criminal OWPD charges, even if you are not visibly impaired.
CONSEQUENCES FOR OWPD
The consequences of operating with the presence of drugs are similar to those of drunk driving. They include
- Up to a $500 fine
- Up to 93 days in jail and/or up to 360 hours of community service.
- Thirty-day driver’s license suspension following 150 days of restricted driving, possibly with an ignition interlock device
- $500 driver responsibility fee
You could also face loss of eligibility for federal student loans.
TALK TO A OWPD DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY
Call 248-470-4300, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with attorney Derrick E. George about the impact of medication on a drunk driving charge.