DUI-Drugs Attorney in Sarasota

Drugged Driving Can Change Your Life—Contact Us For Strong Defense

If you were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Sarasota, you are likely worried about your license, your record, and your future. A DUI-drugs charge is treated seriously under Florida law, and the decisions you make right now can have long-term consequences.

At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our criminal defense lawyers focus on guiding people through charges that threaten their freedom and reputation. We take the time to understand exactly what happened, then we carefully review the traffic stop, field sobriety exercises, and any blood or urine testing used against you. 

Our attorneys have extensive litigation experience in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which includes Sarasota County. Attorney Reisinger’s background as a former prosecutor gives us insight into how the State builds and prosecutes DUI-drugs cases. When your future is on the line, having a defense team that understands both sides of the courtroom can make a meaningful difference.

A drug DUI charge is a serious threat to your future, but it is defendable. Contact the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA today to speak with an experienced Sarasota DUI-drugs lawyer. Our team is ready to help with free consultations and 24/7 availability—call (941) 541-5335 or reach out online now.

Understanding DUI-Drugs Laws in Florida

Florida Statute § 316.193 governs all DUI offenses in the state. Under this law, a person is guilty of DUI if they are driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle and are under the influence of any chemical substance (as defined in § 877.111) or any controlled substance (as defined in Chapter 893) to the extent that their "normal faculties are impaired."

Unlike alcohol cases, where an Intoxilyzer 8000 provides a specific number, drug cases rely heavily on the subjective observations of law enforcement officers. These "normal faculties" include your ability to see, hear, walk, talk, judge distances, and act in emergencies. 

A Sarasota DUI-drugs lawyer must be prepared to defend cases involving:

• Illegal Narcotics: Such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin.
• Prescription Medications: Including benzodiazepines (Xanax), sleep aids (Ambien), or strong painkillers (Oxycodone), even if you have a valid prescription.
• Over-the-Counter Drugs: In rare cases, even legal supplements or allergy medications that cause drowsiness can lead to an investigation.

It is important to note that having a prescription is not a legal defense to a DUI in Florida. If the medication impairs your driving, the state can still prosecute you. However, our firm excels at demonstrating that the presence of a drug in your system does not prove that you were "under the influence" at the exact moment you were driving.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of DUI-Drugs Convictions in Sarasota

The penalties for a DUI involving drugs are the same as those for alcohol, and they are mandatory under Florida law. Even for a first-time offender, the consequences are severe:

• Criminal Penalties:
  • Jail Time: Up to 6 months for a first offense.
  • Probation: Up to 12 months, usually requiring monthly reporting.
  • Fines: Between $500 and $1,000.
  • Community Service: A mandatory 50 hours.
  • Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle will be "immobilized" for 10 days.
• Administrative Penalties:
  • License Revocation: A minimum of 6 months and up to 1 year.
  • DUI School: Mandatory completion of Level I or Level II courses.
  • Collateral Consequences: A DUI conviction in Florida can never be sealed or expunged; it stays on your record forever. This can lead to increased insurance premiums (FR-44 requirements), loss of professional licenses (especially for nurses and CDL holders), and significant hurdles in future employment background checks.

The Sarasota Criminal Defense Process for DUI Drugs

The legal process for a drug-related DUI often takes longer than an alcohol-based one due to the time required for lab results. Our firm manages every stage:

• The 10-Day Rule: You have only 10 days from your arrest to request a formal review hearing to save your driving privileges. We handle this immediately to secure a hardship permit if possible.
• Discovery of Lab Reports: We demand the raw data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) lab. We look for "metabolites," which are inactive traces of a drug that prove you were not high at the time of driving.
• Deposing the DRE: If a "Drug Recognition Expert" was involved, your Sarasota DUI-drugs lawyer will depose them to expose the subjective and often unscientific nature of their "12-step evaluation."
• Motions to Suppress: If the officer didn't have a legal reason to ask for a urine or blood sample, we file motions to have that evidence thrown out.
• Sarasota DUI Court: For repeat offenders, we may explore the Sarasota DUI Court program, which focuses on treatment rather than just punishment, potentially helping you avoid jail.

How Our Sarasota Defense Team Helps

When a client contacts the firm about a DUI-drugs charge, the process begins with listening. The attorney gathers details about the stop, the officer’s observations, the substances alleged, and how testing was conducted. That information directs a careful review of police reports, video footage, and any laboratory results connected to the case.

The firm then analyzes whether the traffic stop and detention were lawful. This includes reviewing body camera and patrol car footage, officer narratives, and witness statements when available. In drug-based DUI cases, special attention is given to how field sobriety exercises were explained and administered, and whether medical or physical conditions could have influenced performance.

Attorney Reisinger’s background as a Sarasota County prosecutor informs the defense strategy. His understanding of how prosecutors evaluate DUI-drugs cases helps identify strengths and weaknesses in the State’s evidence. Combined with a broader litigation history and a strong focus on client communication, the firm works to protect each client’s rights, reputation, and future at every stage.

With over 20 years of experience, we have built a robust defense methodology for these high-stakes cases. Our approach includes:

• Challenging the Science of Urinalysis: Urine tests are notoriously poor indicators of active impairment. We use expert toxicologists to explain to the jury that "presence" does not equal "influence."
• Medical Overlap: Many "signs of impairment" reported by police are actually symptoms of medical conditions, such as diabetes, neurological issues, or even simple fatigue and nervousness.
• Attacking the DRE Program: The DRE program is often criticized as "voodoo science." We hold these officers to the highest standards and often show they are not medical professionals and are prone to confirmation bias.
• Negotiation for Reduced Charges: Leveraging Eric Reisinger's status as a former prosecutor, we work to get charges reduced to "Reckless Driving," which avoids the mandatory DUI conviction and the lifelong stigma that comes with it.

What To Do After A DUI-Drugs Arrest

The hours and days after a DUI-drugs arrest can feel overwhelming. You may have been held at the Sarasota County jail, released with a court date, and given paperwork that is difficult to interpret. Taking certain steps now can help protect your rights and keep your case on the best possible track.

Here are practical steps to take right away:

• Keep all paperwork you received after the arrest, including any citation, release documents, and notices of court dates or license action.
• Avoid talking about the facts of your case with friends, coworkers, or on social media, because these statements can sometimes be used against you.
• Write down what you remember about the stop, your interactions with the officer, and any testing, while the details are still fresh.
• Attend all scheduled court appearances at the Sarasota County courthouse and plan to arrive early so you can find the correct courtroom.
• Contact a DUI-drugs lawyer in Sarasota as soon as you can so deadlines for license issues and motions are not missed.

When you reach out to Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, we review your paperwork, answer initial questions about the process, and explain the function of hearings such as arraignment and pretrial conferences. We also talk with you about your goals, such as protecting your license, minimizing penalties, or avoiding a permanent criminal record when possible. Our team then works to build a plan tailored to your situation so you are not facing the system alone.

Contact Our Sarasota Attorneys to Handle Your DUI-Drugs Case

If you or a loved one is facing a drug-related DUI charge in this area, taking early action can help protect your options. At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, we bring together extensive Sarasota litigation experience, a former prosecutor’s perspective, and a careful approach to evidence review in every DUI-drugs case we handle. Our goal is to guide you through a difficult time with clear information and strong advocacy.

We stay active in organizations such as the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. This engagement helps us stay informed about legal developments that can affect DUI-drugs and drug intoxication cases. When combined with our hands on experience in Sarasota County courts, it allows us to offer representation that is both current and grounded in local practice.

Call (941) 541-5335 or reach out online to speak with our team about your DUI-drugs case.