Many people associate Driving Under the Influence with alcohol. However, consuming any intoxicating substance before driving can subsequently lead to an arrest. Marijuana, medications, and other substances can impair your ability to drive. Fighting DUI charges can be difficult, so it is wise to hire an experienced DUI Defense Attorney in Seminole as soon as possible after an arrest.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Because drugs can affect a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, driving while under the influence of drugs is subject to the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol. Drugs, whether legal or illegal, mixed with alcohol multiplies the effects. For example, consuming one drink while taking cold or allergy medication can have the same effect as consuming many drinks. Drugs like marijuana can impair reflexes, alter judgment, and decrease alertness. Marijuana DUI cases often have numerous defenses, and a lawyer can develop the strongest defense for your case.
DUI Arrests
The legal alcohol consumption limit for driving is 0.08 (Blood Alcohol Concentration and Breath Alcohol Concentration). In Florida, when measuring a breath test, the limit is a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath as measured by an Intoxilyzer machine. Breathalyzers only measure alcohol, however. They do not measure other substances. Law enforcement must conduct a blood or urine test to detect other substances. They also look for slurred speech, odd behavior, and suspicious driving patterns to determine if the driver is intoxicated by substances other than alcohol.
Driving while under the influence of certain medicines or drugs can lead to an offense punishable by law. Even if the medication is a legal prescription, or an over-the-counter drug, the side effects can impair driving. A prosecutor has to prove that you were in physical control of the vehicle and under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to convict you of a DUI. A toxicology report can prove the presence of controlled substances in the body. However, certain prescription medications like Ambien and other sleep aids are not controlled substances. Therefore, because these drugs are not controlled and most urinalysis testing does not screen for these substances, your attorney can use this to benefit your case.
If you are accused of driving while intoxicated, contact an experienced DUI Defense Attorney in Seminole immediately.
Controlled Substances, Illegal Drugs, and Operating a Motor Vehicle
Illegal drugs and controlled substances can also give users a false sense of confidence in their ability to operate a motor vehicle. Certain substances cause drowsiness and slow reaction times. Even prescribed medications like anti-depressants or pain relievers can cause dizziness and impairment. For example, 10 mg of Valium can lead to impairment akin to having a BAC of 0.10.
In Florida, Fla. Stat. Ann. § 316.193 states that if someone drives or controls a vehicle while under the influence, using chemical substances or controlled substances, or has a blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or more, they are driving under the influence and face possible conviction.
A DUI conviction may be penalized by fines and incarceration. Subsequent convictions carry increased penalties such as mandatory installation of interlock ignition devices or drug and alcohol abuse programs. Call an experienced DUI Defense Attorney immediately after an arrest; they may be able to help you avoid a DUI conviction.
Choose McDermott Law Firm, P.A. for a DUI Defense Attorney in Seminole
McDermott Law Firm is a Seminole-based legal firm dedicated to achieving excellence every day. We are uncompromising in terms of ethics, professionalism, and integrity. Contact a DUI Defense Attorney today by calling (727) 367-1080 or contacting us online.
