In Florida, a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge means one of two things: either your blood alcohol concentration level hits the 0.08 grams per 100 mL of blood mark, or the authorities can prove that your normal faculties are severely impaired by a substance like marijuana.
While alcohol and marijuana are some of the more common substances drivers can get a DUI charge for, they’re not the only substances that authorities will look for when apprehending a driver.
Controlled substances in Florida
Florida laws have a comprehensive list of controlled substances that could land a driver a DUI charge if it’s proven that they have ingested the substances. These substances induce intoxication or distort the user’s sensory or mental processes. Some are also prohibited due to their toxicity. They include:
- Depressants (acetone, isopropanol, trichloroethane, methyl isobutyl ketone)
- Intoxicative inhalants (toluene, diethyl ether)
- Mind-altering substances (cyclohexanone, nitrous oxide)
- Toxic substances (methyl ethyl ketone, hexane, trichloroethylene, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, alkyl nitrites)
On top of impairing drivers, these controlled substances can also cause various harmful side effects to the human body.
Other risks when driving under the influence of drugs and other controlled substances
Not only can the use of controlled substances raise the risk of a DUI charge, but certain drugs, such as cocaine, can also land you additional criminal charges. Possessing cocaine and Rohypnol is a first-degree felony, and you could face up to 30 years of prison.
DUI charges aren’t just for drunk drivers or those driving while high on cannabis. If you have a DUI charge for using a controlled substance, consider seeking legal aid to understand your options in resolving the matter.
