Miami DUI Drugs Attorney
When you think of a DUI charge, you probably think of driving while under the influence of alcohol. But what you may not know is that DUI charges can be associated with drug use as well.
In Florida, a person can be arrested and charged with a DUI if they are under the influence of not only alcohol but also a prescription drug or an illegal drug. In fact, any substance that impairs a person’s ability to drive can lead to a DUI charge.
Drugged driving cases often are complex and more difficult to prosecute compared to traditional DUI charges because drug consumption cannot be measured with a Breathalyzer or similar device. However, the penalties for the offense could be the same, with the consequences including jail time or fines.
You need to take these charges seriously. A skilled Miami DUI drugs attorney from Asilia Law Firm can help you challenge the evidence against you and fight for a favorable outcome.
What to Know About Drugged Driving
Driving under the influence of prescription or illegal drugs is also known as drugged driving. Some of the most common substances involved in drugged driving cases include:
- Prescription medications (Oxycontin, Xanax or Valium)
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
DUI drug charges can apply even if a person has a valid prescription for the medication. However, if a person does not have a valid prescription for the medication, they may also face drug possession charges.
When a police officer stops a driver for suspicion of being under the influence, they must establish that the person’s normal faculties are impaired or that their blood alcohol content is .08 or higher. Typically, people under the influence of prescription or illegal drugs will not register an over-the-limit breath alcohol content level, unless they have also been consuming alcohol.
Therefore, law enforcement officers must establish impairment by using field sobriety tests, urine tests, or blood tests. To further complicate matters, there are complex scientific issues concerning active ingredients of drugs in both urine and blood. It is difficult to ascertain whether or not the substance identified was an active or an inactive ingredient.
In addition, each person is different when it comes to how drugs impair them. Each individual has unique tolerances to prescription or illegal drugs that can significantly influence the actual level of impairment.
These variables can be used to your advantage. Your lawyer can help determine the best defenses to use in your drug DUI case so you get the best outcome possible.
Contact Asilia Law Firm Today
A DUI charge based on drug use is difficult to prove. With the right legal help, you can get your charges reduced or even eliminated.
Get the justice and advice you deserve from The Asilia Law Firm. Contact our Miami DUI drugs attorney today to learn more. Schedule a consultation by calling (786) 420-3014 or filling out the online form.