Skip to Content
The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy
Start Your Free Consultation Now 321-248-7742
Top
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.

Contact Us Today!

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
  • "Great lawyer"
    Great lawyer. Never hired a lawyer before so I was nervous. Bryan was cheaper than the other lawyers I called. He answered all my questions. I went to one court date and got only fines and court cost. Hopefully don't need to, but would definitely use again, and recommend. Thanks Bryan
    Chris
    Cocoa, FL
  • "When I had my free consultation with him, I was blown away. His professionalism, intelligence, and character is everything you would ever want in a lawyer. "
    I had never previously been in an ounce of trouble; not even a detention in high school. When I learned that I had been charged with a felony punishable by a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment, my life flashed before my eyes. I as stunned and shell-shocked by the experience. When I was contemplating my options on a public defender or a lawyer, my friend, who had been in trouble recently, recommended “The Savior” (at least that’s what I call him now!) Mr. McCarthy! This man knows what he’s doing! When I had my free consultation with him, I was blown away. His professionalism, intelligence, and character is everything you would ever want in a lawyer. Bryan knows the law inside and out to the point where once you leave the office, you’ll be gaping with eyebrows raised and say to yourself, “Wow … I’m impressed.” Needless to say, I felt ten times more comfortable coming out of that office than I did going in. When consulting with him, he utilized the perfect blend of realism and reassurance to let me know of my potential outcomes while simultaneously restoring my peace of mind. I felt that I could live worry-free after hiring him. Oh, and guess what?! After his dedication to my case, I learned about a month later that the charges were COMPLETELY DROPPED! You read that right! COMPLETELY DROPPED! I was so thankful that I looked up into the sky and shed tears with my mom’s arms wrapped around me, and it was all because of Mr. McCarthy. This man made the continuance of my dream to pursue teaching possible! Whatever you are looking for in a lawyer, I guarantee you!! Mr. McCarthy is the man! He is “The Savior!”
    S.M.
  • "I truly feel like no one could have handled my case better than them."
    Greatest attorneys ever! They were always there to answer questions and make me feel as comfortable and knowledgeable as possible. I truly feel like no one could have handled my case better than them. Thank you so much for everything.
    J.W.