While using marijuana is not illegal in many states, being under the influence while driving typically is. Marijuana-impaired driving can be dangerous since it can slow down your ability to react to hazards and road changes, impair your coordination and judgment, and make it difficult to focus and concentrate.
Law enforcement doesn’t typically hold a positive view of people driving under the influence of marijuana. If you’ve been caught for this very action, you should hire a lawyer for the following reasons:
Benefit from their Legal Experience
Florida’s marijuana driving laws are relatively strict. You can be fined hundreds or thousands of dollars and even face prison time and license suspension. Repeat offenders are typically punished more harshly than first-time offenders.
Knowing how severe the repercussions can be, hiring a lawyer to benefit from their legal experience makes sense. They can explain the legal process and the likely penalties you’ll face. Your chosen attorney can also provide legal advice unique to your situation.
Explore Various Defense Strategies
The average marijuana driving charge isn’t always clear-cut. Law enforcement can make mistakes that cast doubt on the validity of the charges you face. Hiring a lawyer to explore various defense strategies is often in your best interest. Your lawyer might recommend some of the following:
- Questioning the field sobriety test’s validity
- Questioning drug experts’ accuracy
- A lack of probable cause for conducting a DUI investigation
- Alternative explanations for behaviors
- Plea bargains
- Constitutional violations
Negotiate for Reduced Penalties
Depending on the charges you’re facing and the circumstances surrounding them, you may be in line to receive hefty fines or lengthy prison sentences. Hiring a lawyer doesn’t mean the outcome of your case will change, but you may be able to negotiate for reduced penalties.
The best lawyers can speak with the prosecution to see if they can secure you a plea bargain. This might mean you will be charged with a lesser offense or receive an alternative sentence like community service or probation.
Protect Your Rights
Law enforcement is legally required to protect your rights throughout legal proceedings. Still, that doesn’t mean they always will. Their main goal is generally to see you face punishment for your crimes. When you hire a lawyer, you have someone on your side to ensure your rights are protected. They’ll do their best to ensure this from the time you’re arrested until the time you undergo court proceedings.
Represent You in Court
You are within your rights to represent yourself in court. In fact, one in six Americans is a self-represented litigant. However, it’s generally not in your best interest during criminal cases. Having a lawyer to represent you means you have someone to advocate for you in court, present evidence in your favor, and cross-examine witnesses. They are by your side every step of the way to potentially improve your chances of securing a more desirable outcome.
You don’t have to hire a lawyer to represent you for marijuana-impaired driving charges. Having someone to protect your rights, help you put together a strong case, and negotiate on your behalf may help you achieve a more desirable outcome than you thought possible.
