Guest Post: Charlie's DUI With Marijuana

By Charlie Meuouis

Student in One of My Classes
Used With His Permission

My DUI was due to driving under the influence of marijuana. Did you know that driving while under the influence of marijuana is the cause of at least 400 automobile accidents per year? And those are only the cases that were reported. It is believed that up to 40,000 fatal accidents go unreported and are actually caused by driving under the influence of marijuana.

In the year 2000 I was 18 years old. I lived a careless and dangerous lifestyle and on October 21, 2000 I made the choice to smoke marijuana and get in my car and drive. It wasn't long before a Winter Haven police pulled me over. As he began to approach my car I panicked. I knew I was under the influence and I knew my breath and clothes reeked with marijuana.

First he asked me, "Do you know why I pulled you over?"

"No I don't," I replied.

"You were going well above the speed limit."

Next he asked me, "Are you under the influence of any drugs or alcohol?"

"Nope."

Then the officer gave me a field sobriety test. Of course I failed. I was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail.

Up to this very day, almost thirteen years later I have been dealing with court costs, probation, and other fees. Simple life decisions have cost me more than I would have ever imagined.

The one thing I have learned over this long ordeal is that drugs and alcohol and the decisions you make while under their spell are not worth it. The possibilities of consequences are endless.  Also I learned that my irresponsible actions not only affect me, but the people who care about me. The same applies to anyone else who chooses to drive after marijuana use. Learn the lesson I learned.