What are the penalties for operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance in Florida?
Fort Lauderdale, FL—If an individual is caught driving their vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, they will likely be charged with driving under the influence, or DUI. In the State of Florida, drivers can be charged with DUI after having consumed any type of controlled substance, even those they were prescribed when it causes their normal faculties to become impaired.
If an individual is charged with DUI in Fort Lauderdale because he/she was driving while under the influence of a controlled substance, they are likely to face the following penalties1:
- A fine of at least $500 but no more than $1,000, if it is their first conviction.
- A fine of at least $1,000 but no more than $2,000 if it is their second conviction.
- Up to six months in jail for first-time offenders.
- Up to nine months in jail for a second-time offender.
Individuals charged with DUI as a result of drugged driving might also lose their driving privileges and have to attend special courses.
Factors that Can Add or Enhance Penalties for Drugged Driving in Florida
Certain factors can cause a person who has been charged with drugged driving to face more severe penalties or even additional ones. Some of these are listed down below:
- The type of drug the individual consumed. Controlled substances fall into one of the following categories:
- Schedule I
- Schedule II
- Schedule III
- Schedule IV
- Schedule V
Schedule I drugs are recognized as those that “have no medical use in the U.S.”2 Schedule V controlled substances are those that are considered to “have a low potential for abuse.”
- Whether minors were traveling inside the vehicle at the time the individual was caught driving while under the influence of a controlled substance.
- Whether the individual had drugs in their possession at the time they were stopped. If an individual had a controlled substance in their possession such as heroin or marijuana, they will likely be charged with possession of an illegal drug which is a different type of criminal offense that carries its own penalties.
Charged with DUI and/or Drug Possession in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Because a DUI and/or drug charge carries serious penalties, those facing these charges are encouraged to contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer for legal help. Drug and DUI attorney Michael D. Weinstein will help an individual understand the charges they are facing and what their legal options are if they are looking to avoid jail time or potentially get their charges reduced to a lesser degree.
If an individual is facing a DUI or drug charge and needs to speak with a DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL now, they can contact Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. at 954-761-1420.
Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. can be reached at:
12 Southeast 7th Street, Suite 713
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Phone: 954-761-1420
Website: www.mdwlawfirm.com
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