Accomplished Florida Drugged Driving Lawyer
DUI drug offenses, otherwise known as drugged driving, can have an obvious negative impact on a person and their future. In addition to the legal penalties that accompany a drug-related charge, accused drivers could face employment challenges and social consequences, potentially.
Being charged with drugged or impaired driving is not the end of the road, though; with support from our staff at Karatinos Law, PLLC, Florida motorists can feel reassured that their future and rights are in good hands. Attorney Keeley Karatinos is a respected legal advocate who knows the implications drug DUI charges can have on an individual’s life and will harness her legal experience to successfully battle on her client’s behalf. Attorney Karatinos’ trial experience differentiates her skillset from the rest of the legal field as she possesses the ability and mental fortitude to defend her clients when the stakes are the highest. She is proud to advocate for clients in the Pasco County and Hernando County communities and show them that there is hope, even when a criminal charge leaves them with a bleak outlook for the future.
Attorney Karatinos is known for bringing a unique and holistic approach to each of her cases in order to help her clients return to normalcy as quickly as possible. Beyond ensuring that her clients’ rights are protected, she is passionate about helping them resolve any substance abuse issues they may be dealing with. This genuine compassion has earned her the trust of her clients throughout her career and fueled her drive to help accused Florida residents turn their lives around.
What is Considered Drugged Driving in Florida?
Florida law enforcement officials take countless precautions to identify impaired drivers and remove them from the road every day. The legal definition of drugged driving is driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of any illegal or legal substance, which can include illicit drugs or even common medications prescribed by a doctor. To avoid being accused of drugged driving, Florida drivers should be sure to avoid taking any prescription medications or other substances that can impact their alertness or normal faculties.
What Are the Consequences of Drugged Driving Charges?
Drugged driving charges can carry consequences that sink into every specific part of a Floridian’s daily life. Additionally, the penalties associated with a drugged driving charge will vary depending on numerous factors, including an individual’s criminal history.
Accused drivers who have no prior drugged driving charges on their record will be compelled to pay a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000. They can also expect to spend up to six months in jail and perform community service for 50 hours. Furthermore, a license suspension of six months to one year is possible in addition to a ten-day vehicle impoundment.
Florida drivers who have a previous drugged driving conviction will face harsher penalties, including a fine of $1,000 to $2,000, a nine-month jail sentence, installation of an ignition interlock device, a six-month to one-year license suspension and one year of probation. Moreover, accused drivers with a prior offense are required to complete a psychosocial evaluation, attend 50 hours of community service, and undergo a 90-day vehicle impoundment.
For a third drugged driving charge, Florida residents can expect to pay a fine ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, face up to 12 months in jail, install an ignition interlock device, lose their license for one year, be on probation for one year, perform a psychosocial evaluation, complete 50 hours of community service and have their vehicle impounded for 90 days.
How Does Law Enforcement Test for Drugged Driving?
When Florida law enforcement officials make contact with an individual whom they believe to be under the influence of a drug or other substance based on their training, they will request that the person submit to certain tests. In most instances, the test administered by the law enforcement official will likely be a blood or urine test, which will identify if there are any substances in the individual’s system.
What is Implied Consent?
In Florida, along with every other state in the country, residents who have a license and are driving an automobile have legally provided their consent to take a blood or urine test if law enforcement officials request them to. Any information or evidence gained from these tests will be used in a court of law, but drivers may want to rethink their decision if they are leaning towards refusing to submit to these tests. Willfully declining to perform the requested blood or urine tests will lead to first-degree misdemeanor charges, a potential one-year jail sentence and an immediate license suspension of one year for first-time offenders. Drivers who have lost their license do have the option to contest the suspension by requesting a hearing within 10 days of having their driving privileges revoked.
Providing 24/7 Assistance to Accused Florida Drivers
An accusation of drugged driving can put your rights, future and driving privileges on the line. In situations like this, it is crucial to avoid incriminating yourself and to obtain guidance from a local lawyer. Our founding attorney, Keeley Karatinos, is a relentless ally for accused Floridians and is skilled at dissecting the evidence brought against her clients to prove their innocence. To receive dependable legal guidance from an attorney you can count on, contact our office as soon as possible by calling 352-405-0537 or emailing our staff.