Law Enforcement Concerned About Current DUI Laws In Nevada
Las Vegas, NV, September 11, 2014 (Newswire.com) - As Las Vegas begins opening marijuana dispensaries throughout the city, residents and politicians are worried that DUIs will increase. There is a problem when it comes to drivers under the influence of marijuana. Police officers cannot easily determine if a driver is high.
Many Nevada lawmakers want to change the DUI policy. Both lawmakers and pot advocates believe that the DUI policies should be based on the impairment on the driver in addition to the blood level.
Currently in Nevada, DUI laws deem people guilty of driving under the influence based on the level of THC in their blood. However, current laws are flawed because many of these people who are legally high are able to pass the field sobriety tests.
The top medical marijuana advocate in Nevada is state Senator Tick Segerblom. He plans to take action next year to get the law changed. He claimed he wants to see Nevada follow a similar law as California. There is no legal standard and DUI is given only on the basis of police judgement. First police need reasonable suspicion that the driver is impaired, from there they can request a blood test.
The first concern for all Nevada lawmakers is keeping the roads safe.
A Las Vegas resident, Jason McNamara, obtained a medical marijuana card in 2009. On Easter Sunday 2013, he was pulled over for speeding. He passed the initial eyeball test, but things went downhill from there.
He obtained his card because he suffers from lumbar disk disease, has sciatic nerve issues and restless leg syndrome. The police officer proceeded to ask McNamara to perform tests involving his legs and lower back. During one test, his foot spasmed and he was arrested for DUI.
When his blood was tested, the results stated he had 7.7 nanograms per milliliter of marijuana in his system. McNamara claimed he was not physically or mentally impaired.
The Henderson Chief of Police explained that changed the DUI laws isn’t going to change the enforcement. Police pull people over that are driving poorly. Now, officers are undergoing training to easily recognize signs of someone under the influence. Everyone’s main concern is the safety of drivers.
Contact Christensen Law at 702.870.1000 if you have been involved in a DUI accident. They can get you compensation for the damages. Visit www.injuryhelpnow.com or in person at 1000 S. Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107.
