DUI & Drugs in Orlando

Strong Defense from an Orlando DUI Attorney

You can be convicted of DUI even if you never touched a drink. Under Florida Statutes §316.193 (2012), the charge of driving under the influence applies in cases where the individual was driving either with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or more as determined by breathalyzer or blood tests, or while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances or controlled substances, when affected to the extent that the person's normal faculties are impaired. This includes drivers who are using illegal street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin and ecstasy, as well as illegally obtained pharmaceutical drugs and even medication for which the driver has a prescription but which causes impairment.

Proving allegations of drugged driving can be more difficult than in cases of driving under the influence of alcohol. Whereas a police officer who suspects that a driver is drunk can order the individual to subject to chemical testing which will reveal whether the blood alcohol concentration is at or above the legal limit, the drug tests are not generally as accurate. Chemical tests of the blood or urine may reveal whether there are any drugs in the blood stream, but it is usually not possible to determine how much of the drug is there, nor whether the individual took the substance an hour ago, a day ago or longer-detectable levels of many drugs can stay in the system for days or even weeks.

Challenging Evidence of DUI with Drugs

These factors may come into play in your defense, but it may additionally be necessary to refute the police officer's claims that you were visibly impaired by drugs. Observations of conditions such as slurred speech, lack of physical coordination and even bloodshot eyes will commonly serve as evidence that the driver is impaired. We will aggressively cross-examine any such testimony, such as by questioning whether intimidating behavior from the police officer could have caused you to fail the field sobriety tests. The Orlando DUI Lawyers of Parks & Braxton, PA share over 50 years of combined experience, and we are recognized by our peers in the legal profession for our skill in DUI defense. Contact us now to learn more about strategies we can use to fight for you!