Panama City Marijuana DUI Lawyer
Florida law prohibits individuals from driving 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. This is a very low threshold for the state to meet, so people who are only slightly affected by marijuana could potentially be convicted of DUI. 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.
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:
- 1st 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.
- 2nd 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.
- 3rd Conviction with 10 years – A third DUI conviction in Florida can result in up to one year in jail and fines of between $2,000 and $5,000. An ignition interlock device is required to be installed on the offender’s vehicle for 2 years.
- 4th 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.
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 been representing the rights of people accused of crimes for more than 17 years and 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 send us an email through our online contact form available online.