Panama City Marijuana DUI Lawyer
A marijuana DUI in Florida occurs when a person drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle while marijuana affects them to the extent that their “normal faculties” are impaired. Unlike alcohol DUIs, there is no legal THC limit — cases are based on observed impairment. These cases are prosecuted in Bay County courts, and local enforcement agencies such as the Panama City Police Department and Bay County Sheriff’s Office frequently make marijuana-related DUI arrests.
Under Florida Statute § 316.193, it is illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI). Law enforcement agencies aggressively pursue offenders, and the courts often impose significant sanctions on even first-time offenders. Under Florida law, a person is in violation of the law if they are affected by marijuana to the extent that their normal faculties are impaired. Prosecutors often argue this is a low threshold, but DUI cases can be challenged based on the reliability of observations and testing. Due to the serious penalties that are associated with a Florida DUI, it is imperative that anyone facing a DUI case retain legal counsel as soon as possible.
Contact our Bay County DUI defense team today for a free case review at (850) 257-5680.
Can you be convicted of DUI in Florida without a blood THC level?
Yes. Florida marijuana DUI cases are not based on a specific THC concentration. Prosecutors rely on officer observations, field sobriety exercises, driving patterns, and sometimes blood or urine tests to argue that a driver’s normal faculties were impaired.
In some cases, law enforcement may use a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) to evaluate suspected drug impairment. Marijuana DUI investigations may also involve body camera footage, dash camera video, and officer training records, all of which can be examined by the defense.
What are the consequences of a Florida DUI?
The legal penalties associated with DUI depend on a variety of factors, including whether an individual has been convicted of DUI in the past and whether the driver injured others. The penalties authorized by Florida law are detailed below:
- First Conviction – For a first-time DUI, a person can be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail and a fine of between $500 and $1,000, or both.
- Second Conviction – A second DUI offense can result in a jail sentence of up to nine months and a fine of between $1,000 and $2,000. In addition, a second conviction results in the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on the offender’s car for at least one year.
- Third Conviction within 10 years – A third DUI conviction in Florida can result in up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000. A mandatory ignition interlock device is required to be installed on the offender’s vehicle for 2 years.
- Fourth or Subsequent Conviction – A fourth or subsequent offense may result in up to five years in prison as well as a fine of at least $2,000.
In addition to these significant legal consequences, a marijuana DUI can result in serious collateral consequences as well. The existence of a conviction on your criminal record could result in difficulty obtaining employment, damage to your reputation, professional issues, and even difficulty in renting an apartment. As a result, it is in the best interest of anyone accused of marijuana DUI to retain legal counsel immediately.
What Happens to Your Driver’s License After a Marijuana DUI?
Driver’s license penalties for a marijuana DUI could include:
- License suspension
- DUI school
- Probation
- Community service
- Substance abuse evaluation
Contact a Panama City Marijuana DUI Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
People who are accused of driving while under the influence of marijuana are often subject to significant legal penalties. Fortunately, a DUI attorney in Panama City can often help reduce the consequences that you may be facing and in some cases may be able to have the case dropped or dismissed. The representation of an experienced attorney can often have a significant impact on the outcome of a case, so it is important to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. Florida lawyer Dana Morris has more than 25 years of criminal defense experience in Florida courts, including defending drug-related criminal charges and Florida DUI defense in Bay County. He fights hard to protect his clients’ legal rights. To schedule a free consultation with Mr. Morris, please call The Morris Law Firm today at (850) 257-5680 or reach out to us through our online contact form.
