Drugs and DUI in Tampa
Illegal and Prescription Drug DUI
A driver may face DUI charges for
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Though most people associate DUI charges with alcohol, driving "under the influence" of a controlled substance – whether a prescription drug or illegal narcotic – will result in the same criminal charges and penalties as a standard drunk driving offense.
At Thomas & Paulk, we understand the particular issues that arise in regard to drug DUI cases. Our Tampa law firm takes on these complex matters throughout Hillsborough County and the surrounding areas in Florida, using our more than two decades of experience to build aggressive defense strategies that hold up in court and at our clients'
DHSMV hearings. If you'd like to learn more about the services we provide in this regard, we welcome you to call a
Tampa DUI attorney at our firm for a free initial consultation.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs may be charged against a person who is discovered by law enforcement to be "under the influence" of a controlled substance. To be "under the influence" a driver would have abilities that are impaired by drugs, typically proven using field sobriety tests, testimony by the
arresting officer regarding the defendant's behavior and statements at the time of the arrest, drugs or drug paraphernalia found in the vehicle, and the presence of drugs in the defendant's system found using a urine and/or
blood test. Drug DUI charges of this kind may apply to prescription or even over-the-counter drugs as well as illegal street drugs, as long as they impair the defendant's driving abilities.
Though it may seem that the odds are stacked against you in the face of drug DUI charges, it is important to remember that a skilled lawyer may be able to find and expose significant weaknesses in the prosecuting attorney's case against you. It may boil down to any of the following factors, as an example:
- An improperly administered field sobriety test
- A drug test that was administered by an untrained or unqualified individual
- A mishandled blood or urine sample
- Inaccurate drug test results
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia discovered by an illegal search
- An unlawful arrest
These are just a few simple examples of factors that may weaken or destroy the prosecution's case. Every case is different, so it is important to involve an experienced professional who has the resources to investigate your DUI drug charges from every possible angle.
Tampa DUI Lawyer
Experience the difference of involving a firm that has considerable experience and an unparalleled dedication to client service. Contact a Tampa DUI lawyer at our firm today to discuss your driving under the influence of drugs charges.