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Driving Under The Influence of Drugs We Fight For Your Freedom

Driving Under The Influence of Drugs

The offense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is commonly associated with alcohol, but people can also be arrested for allegedly being under the influence of drugs. Driving under the influence of Drugs (commonly referred to as DUID) typically involves blood tests or urine tests being administered to measure an alleged offender’s level of impairment rather than breath tests.

Driving under the Influence of drugs can be much more difficult for prosecutors to prove because even if a chemical test shows that there is a controlled substance in an alleged offender’s system, such evidence does not necessarily mean that the drug diminished the alleged offender’s ability to drive. It is important to note that a person can also be charged with DUID even if he or she was allegedly under the influence of a perfectly legal prescription drug.

Melbourne Criminal Defense Attorney for DUID Arrests

The experienced criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy can help you with your DUID charge. We will aggressively fight the allegations on your behalf. Call to schedule a free consultation that will allow our Melbourne criminal defense lawyer to provide a complete evaluation of your case. 
We assist clients in Melbourne and Brevard County, Titusville County, Palm Bay County and surrounding areas.

Driving under the Influence –Penalties and Fines

DUID convictions carry steep penalties that may include the following sentences, depending on whether alleged offenders have previously been convicted of drunk or drugged driving:

  • First offense – Fine of $500 to $1,000; jail for up to 6 months; license suspension of 180 days to 1 year; 50 hours community service (or possible buyout at $10/hour); 10 day vehicle impoundment/immobilization.
  • Second offense – Fine of $1,000 to $2,000; jail for up to 9 months; mandatory ignition interlock; license suspension of 180 days up to 1 year; mandatory 1 year probation; psychosocial evaluation required; 50 hours of community service (or possible buyout at $10/hour); 10 day vehicle impoundment/immobilization.
  • Third offense – Fine of $2,000 to $5,000; jail up to 12 months; mandatory ignition interlock; license suspension of 1 year; mandatory 1 year probation; psychosocial evaluation required; 50 hours community service (or possible buyout at $10/hour); and 90 day vehicle impoundment/immobilization.

How are the Charges Different?

Driving under the influence of drugs can be trickier to prove because testing is not as straightforward. The test for drugs requires blood and urine as subjects in DUID cases. Individuals charged with DUID are also charged with basic drug use.

The penalties may be increased depending on the volume of drugs found in his or her system. Penalties can worsen further if drugs are found inside the car. A person could be charged a felony if it is his or her fourth DUI offense.

Florida DUID Resources

Drugged Driving is Preventable – The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving also advocates against drugged driving, and this site lists ways to be safe on the roads. The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving also advocates against drugged driving, and this site lists ways to be safe on the roads.

DUID Attorney in Melbourne Florida

If you were arrested for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance while driving in Florida, it is important to contact an attorney at The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy. Our dedicated, experienced Melbourne criminal defense lawyer will fight to protect your rights

Call today to receive a free, confidential consultation. We assist clients in Brevard County, Titusville County, Palm Bay County and surrounding areas.

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