The drug landscape is changing somewhat in Orlando and throughout Florida with the addition of many new types of drugs known as synthetic drugs. These drugs are designed to produce the same high as traditional drugs without being subject to the same scrutiny or regulations. Synthetic drugs are widely available, even at gas stations or corner stores in many circumstances.
While there may be loopholes in the state’s drug laws when it comes to these newest offerings, one area of the law where there can be particularly harsh penalties for using synthetic drugs is when the individual is under the influence of drugs behind the wheel of a car. Contact an Orlando synthetic drug DUI lawyer to begin planning a strategy to defend and protect yourself from the consequences of this charge.
If a person is accused of driving while impaired by a synthetic drug, they face similar consequences as an alcohol DUI, including the potential of incarceration, the imposition of fines, a requirement to attend drug rehab or education courses, community service, and probation. There are additional long-term consequences to any type of DUI, including a negative record on both the individual’s driving and criminal histories that can result in increased insurance rates and harm to the defendant’s educational, employment, and housing opportunities.
A person who is convicted of a synthetic drug DUI in Orlando also faces an administrative driver’s license suspension. In order to drive after the suspension, the defendant must seek a hardship license and pay a reinstatement fee.
Florida’s DUI consequences are harsher for subsequent convictions within a five or ten-year span. Additionally, there are typically more severe penalties if the conviction involved a higher level of impairment or there was a minor child in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
A synthetic drug DUI lawyer has an important role in this type of case in Orlando. Because the laws governing synthetic drugs are so new, there is often confusion around potential consequences and whether a crime even occurred. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges and learn more about your goal for the case. Do you wish to avoid a conviction altogether? Are you open to a plea bargain? Your thoughts on these matters are a crucial part of building a defense strategy.
Another factor in determining the strategy to use in a specific case is the unique details of that case, including the police procedures and tactics that were used during the investigation and arrest. DUI arrests commonly involve types of testing that are not always accurate and can be the cause of many “false positives” for impaired driving.
Other important details to consider when building a defense include the defendant’s past criminal history, as prosecutors are generally more willing to work with a defendant if it is their first offense.
Florida law prohibits drivers from operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol, drugs, and even new synthetic drugs. If you have been charged with a synthetic drug DUI in Orlando, an experienced lawyer from The Umansky Law Firm can help you understand these charges and begin developing a strategy for defending yourself. Contact us for a free consultation today
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
