Lake City DUI Drugs Attorneys
All drivers in Lake City know that driving while impaired by alcohol is a criminal offense. Not everyone, though, understands that driving under the influence of drugs is also against the law, even when the drugs themselves are not necessarily illegal.
For example, if a prescription medication causes side effects such as extreme drowsiness or dizziness, a person may be found guilty of a DUI drugs if they get behind the wheel, even if they were legally allowed to take the medication. A conviction for DUI drugs will come with the same harsh penalties as a DUI involving alcohol. It is for this reason that anyone facing charges should speak to a Lake City DUI drugs attorney as soon as possible.
What is a DUI Drugs Charge?
Any time a police officer pulls someone over for driving under the influence of alcohol, they may use concrete scientific testing, such as a blood or breath test, to confirm the driver is impaired. When law enforcement suspects someone is under the influence of drugs, there is no such test. Under the law, a person can be charged with DUI drugs if they are impaired by an illegal or prescription drug, to the point that their normal faculties are impaired, while they are in physical control of a vehicle.
The law does not define “having control of the vehicle” as only driving. For instance, someone may realize they are impaired by drugs and decide to sleep it off in the vehicle, with the keys in their pocket. Under the law, they would still have control of the vehicle and so, they may face DUI drug charges even though they were not driving.
The law also defines one’s normal faculties as a number of bodily functions. These include talking, walking, hearing, and seeing. The ability to judge distances and make good decisions are also considered to be a part of one’s normal faculties. When a person cannot properly perform any of those functions, a police officer may charge them with DUI drugs.
DUI Drugs Charges are Very Common
Due to the fact that there is no actual testing to be done for drugs when you are pulled over, and the fact that the law only requires impairment of one’s normal faculties, law enforcement often becomes overzealous when laying these charges. For example, an officer may notice that a person has prescription drugs in their vehicle. The driver may state that they had taken the drug, but that they do not start to take effect for several hours and they are only going to be driving for ten minutes. Even if the person is not impaired, an officer may argue that they are and arrest them anyway. This is one reason DUI drug charges are so common.
Our Lake City DUI Drugs Attorney Can Help You Beat Your Charges
DUI drugs charges are just as serious as charges related to impairment of alcohol and you face harsh consequences if convicted. At Meldon Law, our Lake City criminal defense attorney will prepare a solid defense and get important evidence thrown out so you have the best chance of beating the charges. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
