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Driving under the influence (DUI) cases can involve more than just alcohol impairment. Criminal charges for driving under the influence can also include impairment from prescription, over-the-counter, or illicit drugs. In Fort Lauderdale, the criminal penalties associated with a drug DUI are largely the same as those associated with alcohol. However, a drug DUI case can have even more severe consequences if you are found both in possession and under the influence of a controlled substance while in a motor vehicle.
When you are facing allegations of driving under the influence, contacting a seasoned DUI defense attorney should be your top priority. Whether this is your first offense or you have past convictions, a dedicated South Florida drug DUI lawyer at Rossen Law Firm will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your rights and freedom.
When the police believe someone is driving while drunk, they can determine whether that person is intoxicated by testing their blood, breath, or urine. They can also perform physical tests to determine whether alcohol is affecting someone’s physical control over their body. Anyone who has a blood alcohol content of at least 0.08 percent or has their “normal faculties” impaired has committed a DUI offense.
While police officers cannot test for drug impairment as easily as alcohol impairment, they can still arrest someone based on their interpretation of that person’s physical state. An officer can also base an arrest on secondary evidence, such as the presence of drug paraphernalia, but only if they first establish probable cause to search the vehicle. A drug DUI attorney can provide vital assistance contesting arrests in Fort Lauderdale based on unlawful searches or inconclusive evidence.
Criminal sentencing is similar for alcohol and drug DUIs. Under Florida Statutes § 316.193, a first-time offender may face a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months of jail time, and a mandatory one-year term of probation. You will likely also face administrative penalties that may include 50 hours of community service, driver’s license revocation lasting a minimum of six months up to a maximum of a year, and impoundment of your vehicle.
Repeat offenders are subject to increasingly harsh penalties each time they are convicted of a drug or alcohol DUI. Harsher penalties also apply to anyone convicted of driving under the influence of drugs with a minor in the vehicle. As a drug DUI lawyer in South Florida could explain in further detail, anyone who causes physical injury or property damage while driving high may face enhanced penalties upon conviction. Causing severe or fatal injuries through a drug DUI will be classified as a felony.
South Florida law enforcement officers and court authorities take driving under the influence seriously. When you are arrested on suspicion of driving while high, the quality of your legal representation can make all the difference in how your case plays out.
Our award-winning team at Rossen Law Firm has extensive experience handling DUI cases across the state. We have helped thousands of clients avoid sentencing and continue living their lives. A knowledgeable South Florida drug DUI lawyer can provide the custom-tailored guidance you need and deserve. Every second counts when you are facing DUI charges, so call today to schedule a free strategy session with one of our board-certified attorneys. We are ready to get to work for you.
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Rossen Law Firm’s legal team understands what’s at stake when you’re charged with a crime in South Florida. We’re committed to defending you and protecting your rights. Our legal team is ready to create a customized strategy for your case to fight for the best possible outcome. We handle Criminal, DUI, Federal, Domestic Violence, Marchman Act & Baker Act cases, and more.
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