It’s illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While most people associate DUIs with alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs (DUI) is also a serious offense. If faced with this charge, it’s important to know how to defend yourself.
Determining DUI charges for drugs
To charge someone with a DUI, law enforcement officers must have probable cause. A person’s erratic driving, behavior, or physical signs of drug use may point them in this direction. It’s important to note that certain medical conditions can mimic the signs of drug impairment. To determine if drugs are present, officers may use field sobriety tests and chemical tests.
Defending against a DUI charge
One common defense against a DUI charge is to question the legality of the traffic stop. If the officer did not have a valid reason to pull you over, any evidence gathered during the stop may be inadmissible in court. Considering that field sobriety tests and chemical tests are not always accurate, one may challenge the administration and results of these tests.
Someone taking a prescription medication might be able to argue that they were not aware it would impair their driving. Using this defense, an attorney may present evidence to show that the drugs didn’t affect your ability to drive.
Moving forward with a DUI charge
Being charged with driving under the influence of drugs is a serious matter in Florida. Understanding the nature of the charge and the potential defenses is essential for protecting your rights and future.