Can a DUI Lawyer Help in Cases Involving Marijuana or Other Drugs?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is not limited to alcohol-related charges. In Florida, and particularly in cities like Fort Lauderdale, law enforcement also prosecutes drivers accused of being impaired by marijuana, prescription medications, or other controlled substances. These cases often carry the same penalties as alcohol-related DUIs, including license suspension, fines, probation, and even jail time. The good news is that a skilled DUI lawyer can play a vital role in protecting your rights when facing these charges.

Understanding DUI Drug Charges in Florida

Unlike alcohol DUIs, where breathalyzer tests provide a specific measurement of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), drug-related DUIs are far more complex. Florida law makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by any substance that affects normal faculties, whether it is marijuana, prescription painkillers, or illegal narcotics.

The problem? There is no simple roadside test to prove impairment from drugs. Officers rely on observations, field sobriety tests, and sometimes urine or blood tests. This leaves significant room for error and subjective judgment, which a DUI lawyer can challenge in court.

How a DUI Lawyer Can Help

1. Challenging Traffic Stops and Searches
   In many cases, a DUI stop involving drugs begins with an alleged traffic violation. A lawyer will investigate whether the stop was legal and whether the officer had probable cause to search your vehicle. If your rights were violated, evidence could be suppressed.
2. Questioning Field Sobriety Tests
   Standard field sobriety tests were designed for alcohol detection, not drug impairment. A DUI lawyer can argue that poor performance on these tests was due to nerves, medical conditions, or other non-drug-related reasons.
3. Scrutinizing Drug Testing Procedures
   Blood and urine tests are often the state’s primary evidence in drug DUI cases. However, these tests do not always prove impairment — only the presence of a substance. For example, marijuana can remain in the system long after its effects have worn off. An experienced attorney can question the reliability, handling, and interpretation of these tests.
4. Negotiating Reduced Penalties
   Even if the evidence seems strong, a DUI lawyer may negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, especially for first-time offenders or cases involving prescribed medications. This can make a significant difference in avoiding jail time or lengthy license suspensions.
5. Leveraging Law Enforcement Experience
   Attorneys with prior law enforcement backgrounds, such as Eric Clayman in Fort Lauderdale, bring unique insight into how DUI investigations are conducted. This allows them to identify flaws in the prosecution’s case that others might miss.

Why Local Representation Matters

Drug-related DUI laws can be harsh, and navigating the court system in Broward County requires an attorney who understands both state statutes and local procedures. A Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer with established relationships in the legal community may be better positioned to advocate on your behalf and secure a favorable outcome.

Final Thoughts

If you or a loved one has been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana or other drugs in Fort Lauderdale, the stakes are high. These cases are not only legally complex but can also affect your future employment, reputation, and freedom. Having an experienced DUI lawyer by your side can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissed or reduced charge.

Eric H. Clayman, P.A., brings years of law enforcement and criminal defense experience to clients facing drug-related DUI charges. His background as a former police officer and DUI investigator allows him to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and aggressively defend your rights.

This post was written by a professional at The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A. The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A., serves Ft. Lauderdale and Broward County, specializing in criminal defense, including DUI, drug crimes, and violent offenses. With a background as a former police officer, Eric H. Clayman brings invaluable insight into law enforcement procedures. His experience as a DUI investigator, narcotics investigator, and member of street crimes and auto theft units, along with executing high-risk felony warrants, gives him a strategic edge in defending his clients. Committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best results, the Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A., dui lawyer Sunrise FL, is your trusted ally in the face of criminal charges.