Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a common criminal offense in Naples, Florida. While many Florida residents associate DUIs with drunk driving, individuals can also be charged with a DUI if they are under the influence of any illegal substances, prescription drugs, or even over-the-counter medications. Driving while impaired by drugs can lead to severe penalties, including steep fines and time behind bars.
If you have been charged with a drug DUI in Naples, Florida, it is in your best interest to have a highly-qualified attorney on your side. Attorney Robert H. Hanaford is an experienced drug DUI lawyer who has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of the accused. Since 1982, attorney Hanaford has successfully defended his clients in Naples and the surrounding areas. Attorney Hanaford is dedicated to treating every one of his clients like a friend as he guides them through Florida’s complex justice system.
Free consultationMany drug DUI offenders are impaired by illegal substances like marijuana, methamphetamines, or cocaine. However, many others are charged with a drug DUI while under the influence of legally prescribed drugs. While driving after using a prescription drug is legal, it is illegal to drive impaired. If the drug has side effects such as drowsiness or blurry vision, you should not drive after taking it. Some common prescription drugs that could cause a drug DUI include:
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are many medications that could impair your driving. If you are not sure if the medications you take could affect your ability to drive, it is essential to consult with your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
The penalties for a Florida drug DUI are the same as one for a drunk driving DUI. The severity of a DUI charge largely depends on two factors: whether you have any previous DUI convictions and if there were any aggravating factors that could raise the charge to a felony. First-time DUIs are typically charged as misdemeanors. If you are convicted of a first-time DUI, you may face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Additionally, you may face a six-month license suspension and required community service hours, among other penalties. The consequences of a DUI conviction become more severe with multiple offenses.:
Although most Florida DUIs are charged as misdemeanors, there are several aggravating factors that could raise the charge to a felony. Some common aggravating factors include:
Individuals convicted of a felony drug DUI may face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Additionally, convicted felons often face difficulties finding employment and housing long after their sentence is served.
In order to achieve a conviction, the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Attorney Hanaford has decades of experience defending clients in Naples and eroding the prosecution’s case against them. Some of the various strategies Attorney Hanaford may employ include:
Attorney Hanaford will take the time to get to know you and every detail of your case to determine which defense strategy is best for your situation. When you partner with him, you can have peace of mind that you have an advocate on your side who will fight fiercely to protect your rights and interests.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Naples, Florida, you should contact a skilled drug DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. The penalties for DUIs in Florida are severe and could carry lifelong consequences. However, with the Law Office of Robert H. Hanaford in your corner, it may be possible to challenge the prosecution’s evidence through a strategic defense. Attorney Hanaford has decades of experience defending individuals accused of DUIs in Naples and the neighboring areas. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you, Call us at (239) 315-9750 or complete our Contact form today.
Hanaford Law Offices is a criminal defense attorney providing high-quality legal services in Florida across Naples SW Florida and Chicago Illinois.