Proposed Florida DWI Bill Dies

Florida Senate Bill 1810 which was introduced on January 1, 2012 by a Republican Senator did not make it past committee hearings and so did not pass as a new DUI law for the state. The proposed bill would have created major changes in Florida drunk driving laws. Instead of "driving under the influence," the language describing this illegal behavior would have been changed to "driving while impaired to the extent that the person is deprived of his or her abilities." A change in description may seem like a minor matter to most drivers but this new description would have given law enforcement a greater range of action. The new law would have made not only the consumption of alcohol and controlled substances a DWI (driving while impaired) but it also included the vague category of "other impairing substances."

In a DWI, any drug metabolite found in the body through a chemical test such as a urine test would constitute evidence for the prosecution. Unfortunately, it has been shown that drug markers from substances like marijuana can be found in the urine weeks after ingestion. Because of this, the proposed law could have resulted in convictions against individuals who were not under the influence of drugs when arrested. This would have led to unfair and unjust criminal action and penalties. Fortunately, SB 1810 was not enacted. New and tougher laws similar to it, however, could be passed in the future. Drunk and drug-impaired driving laws are always subject to change.

Legal Representation from a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer

Because of its serious nature and the harshness of potential penalties, anyone facing the charge of drunk driving or drug-impaired driving should seek professional legal help. The law firm of Parks & Braxton, P.A., located in Fort Lauderdale, is dedicated to the art and science of DUI defense. The firm is available to clients 24/7, nights, weekends, and holidays and offers a free consultation in which you can get a review and evaluation of your particular case and its circumstances.

The firm's attorneys have more than 48 years of combined legal experience in this field and have been featured in programs on major television networks discussing Florida DUI. The firm has also received the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer's review organization. To get the help you need after a DUI arrest, contact the firm to schedule your case evaluation immediately.