651-300-7389

Main office located in Stillwater, Minnesota

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Thole Law Firm | A Criminal Defense Law Firm
Thole Law Firm | A Criminal Defense Law Firm

Former Prosecutor Serving Minnesota And Wisconsin Since 1992

Protecting Your Future After a Drugged Driving Arrest

Many are shocked to learn they can be accused of driving while impaired even when no alcohol is involved. Working with a lawyer can help you understand your options.

The Thole Law Firm believes good people sometimes make mistakes. Attorney Eric Thole has defended criminal cases across Minnesota and Wisconsin since 1992. As a former prosecutor for Stillwater, Cottage Grove and Washington County, he knows exactly how the other side builds these cases.

Marijuana Laws In Minnesota And Wisconsin

Cannabis laws changed in Minnesota, but that does not mean you can drive after using it. Wisconsin law is stricter, and crossing state lines can create unexpected problems. Many drugged driving cases involve THC:

  • Minnesota allows adult recreational marijuana use, but driving while impaired remains illegal regardless of how the THC was obtained.
  • Wisconsin does not allow recreational marijuana, so even small amounts can trigger criminal charges alongside impaired driving allegations.
  • THC blood limits are debated because levels do not always match actual impairment at the time of driving.
  • Active THC affects the body differently from inactive metabolites, which can stay in your system long after use.

Because of these differences, marijuana-related cases often require careful legal review from an experienced drugged driving defense lawyer like Mr. Thole.

Prescription Drugs And Driving

Many drugged driving cases start with medication that was legally obtained. That detail matters, and it is often misunderstood.

  • Prescription drugs and even over-the-counter medications can affect reaction time and judgment.
  • A charge can be based on perceived impairment, not just what is found in your system.
  • Having a legal medication prescription does not automatically protect you from a drugged driving arrest.

An experienced drugged driving defense lawyer’s careful review of medical use and officer observations can change the direction of a case.

How Field Sobriety Tests Fail In Drug Cases

Testing plays a major role in these cases, and timing matters more than most people realize.

  • Blood tests can show THC long after impairment has passed
  • Urine tests cannot prove current impairment
  • Breaks in the chain of custody can weaken the state’s case

As your drugged driving defense lawyer with courtroom experience, Mr. Thole challenges these tests by showing how environmental factors and personal health conditions created false indicators of impairment.

Your Defense Strategy Starts Here

At the Thole Law Firm, defense attorney Thole can help reduce the damage or stop it entirely. Schedule a free consultation via 651-300-7389 or fill out the online contact form.