DUI with Drugs Attorney in Pensacola

Arrested For Drugged Driving In The Panhandle? Call Attorney Griffith Now

A charge for driving under the influence of drugs can turn your life upside down in a single night. You may be worried about jail, losing your license, and what this will mean for your future in Pensacola. You do not have to face that uncertainty alone.

Michael J. Griffith, P.A. is a criminal defense law firm based in Pensacola that has represented individuals throughout the Florida Panhandle since 1990. For more than 40 years, we have focused on protecting the rights of people accused of crimes, not government agencies or businesses.

Our firm is led by attorney Michael J. Griffith, who has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and has been named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida. These achievements reflect a long-standing commitment to strong advocacy for people facing life-changing accusations.

Contact Michael J. Griffith, Attorney at Law for a consultation. Put over 50 years of experience and a proven track record to work for your defense. Call (850) 495-7977 or reach out online now to speak with a DUI with drugs attorney in Pensacola.

Understanding Florida’s DUID Laws

Under Florida Statute § 316.193, a person is guilty of a DUI if they are driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle and are under the influence of any chemical substance or controlled substance to the extent that their "normal faculties are impaired."

Unlike alcohol, there is no "per se" legal limit (like 0.08%) for drugs in your system. This makes the role of a Pensacola DUI with drugs lawyer critical, as the prosecution must rely on the subjective observations of a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) or laboratory results that may not accurately reflect actual impairment at the time of driving.

Common Substances Involved in DUI with Drugs Cases

• Illegal Narcotics: Marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin.
• Prescription Medications: Benzodiazepines (Xanax), sleep aids (Ambien), or strong painkillers (Oxycodone).
• Over-the-Counter Meds: Even certain antihistamines or cough syrups that cause drowsiness can lead to a DUI charge if they impair your driving.

Penalties for DUI with Drugs in Florida

The penalties for a DUI involving drugs are identical to those involving alcohol, but the long-term impact on your reputation can be even more severe due to the association with controlled substances.

First Offense

• Jail Time: Up to 6 months.
• Fines: Between $500 and $1,000.
• License Action: Mandatory revocation for 180 days to one year.
• Other: 50 hours of community service, DUI school, and a 10-day vehicle impoundment.

Second Offense (Within 5 Years)

• Jail Time: Mandatory minimum of 10 days; maximum of 9 months.
• Fines: Between $1,000 and $2,000.
• License Action: 5-year revocation (eligible for hardship after 1 year).
• Other: Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least one year.

Third Offense (Within 10 Years)

• Classification: This is prosecuted as a Third-Degree Felony.
• Prison Time: Mandatory minimum of 30 days; maximum of 5 years.
• Fines: Up to $5,000.
• License Action: 10-year revocation.

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses

• Classification: A Third-Degree Felony regardless of the timeframe.
• Prison Time: Up to 5 years.
• License Action: Permanent lifetime revocation of your driver’s license.

What To Do After A DUID Arrest

The hours and days after a DUI with drugs arrest are often the most stressful. You may have been released from the Escambia County Jail with paperwork you do not fully understand, and a court date you cannot afford to miss. Making a few careful choices now can help protect your legal options later.

Here are practical steps to take as soon as you can:

• Keep all paperwork you received from law enforcement, the jail, and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
• Write down everything you remember about the traffic stop, questions asked, and any tests that were performed.
• Avoid discussing details of the incident on social media or by text, and do not try to explain your side to police without an attorney.
• Pay attention to any deadlines related to your driver’s license, because Florida has separate administrative procedures for suspensions.
• Contact a DUI with drugs lawyer in Pensacola as soon as possible so you can review your situation and start planning a response.

Court scheduling often moves quickly. An arraignment or first appearance generally takes place in Escambia County Court, or in Escambia County Circuit Court for more serious matters, depending on the charge and other circumstances. Meeting with an attorney early helps ensure you walk into that courtroom prepared rather than guessing what will happen.

Why Choose Our DUI with Drugs Defense in Pensacola

At Michael J. Griffith, P.A., we bring more than 40 years of courtroom experience to every DUID case we handle. Over decades of representing people accused of crimes, we have seen how traffic stops, searches, and drug testing are carried out in this part of Florida. That history helps us evaluate the State’s evidence and look for weaknesses that might not be obvious at first glance.

Attorney Michael J. Griffith’s admission to the United States Supreme Court and his recognition among the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida are not just lines on a resume. They reflect a career of serious legal work and the respect of peers throughout the state. When you sit down with us, you are meeting with a firm that other lawyers trust enough to recommend to people they care about.

We also understand that legal language can be confusing, especially if English is not your first language. Our team can communicate in Spanish and French, and we work to explain your options in clear terms, not legal jargon. Wherever you are starting from, we want you to leave every conversation with us feeling more informed and less overwhelmed.

How We Defend Drugged Driving Charges in Pensacola

Drugged driving cases in Florida often rely on multiple forms of evidence, including officer observations, field sobriety exercises, chemical testing, and alleged statements. We do not accept this evidence at face value. Instead, we carefully evaluate how each piece was obtained and whether it reliably supports a claim of impairment under the law.

Our defense begins with a detailed review of reports and recordings, such as arrest narratives and body camera footage. We analyze the legality of the traffic stop, how the investigation progressed, and whether proper procedures were followed. We also assess scientific evidence, including blood or urine testing, sometimes consulting qualified experts to determine whether results truly indicate impairment.

Field sobriety exercises are also closely examined, as performance can be affected by many non-drug-related factors. Throughout the case, we maintain clear communication, explaining potential strategies and risks. By thoroughly preparing and tailoring our approach to your circumstances, we work to present your side clearly and pursue the most appropriate resolution.

Attorney Griffith focus on the flaws in the prosecution's "science." Our proven track record is built on several key defense strategies:

• Challenging the DRE Evaluation: The 12-step DRE process is highly subjective. We expose where officers failed to follow protocol or misinterpreted normal physical reactions as signs of drug use.
• "Metabolite" vs. "Active" Impairment: Many drugs, especially marijuana, stay in your system for weeks. We argue that the presence of metabolites in your urine does not prove you were "high" while behind the wheel.
• Prescription Defense: While having a prescription is not a total defense to a DUI, we use it to show that you were taking medication as directed and that any perceived "impairment" was actually a known side effect that did not rise to the level of criminal incapacity.
• Laboratory Errors: We investigate the lab technicians and the machines used to test your blood. Improper storage or cross-contamination can lead to false positives.

Working With Michael J. Griffith P.A.

Working with Michael J. Griffith P.A. means more than hiring a knowledgeable DUID attorney in Pensacola—it’s about having someone who listens, answers questions, and guides you through a complex legal system. From your first consultation to the final court date, the firm keeps you informed and involved, ensuring you understand how Florida’s DUID laws apply to your unique situation.

The firm develops strategies tailored to your priorities, whether minimizing jail time, protecting professional licenses, or addressing immigration or military concerns. Communication is central: clients are updated on court dates, legal developments, and options, and services are available in multiple languages. 

Facing a drug-related driving charge does not have to be isolating, and the firm offers confidential guidance and support throughout the process.

To discuss your situation in a confidential consultation, call us today at (850) 495-7977.