Tampa DUI Lawyer Blog

Florida has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Starting October 1, 2008, Florida DUI penalties were enhanced.  The principal change being an increase in the fine of $250 for a first DUI, to $500. Under the DUI enhancements, persons convicted of DUI with a breath test result of over .15 will be forced to install an interlock device on their vehicle, as well as being subjected to increased fines, increased public service hours, and potential advanced DUI School. 

The best way to combat serious drunk driving charges is to speak with an experienced Tampa DUI defense attorney.  Attorneys at Musca Law know the local courts and will challenge every aspect of a DUI arrest to develop an effective defense strategy.

Recently, we were retained by a client who was stopped for speeding and drifting between lanes. The arresting officer observed signs of intoxication, noticing a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes and a stagger in our client's walk.  Our client refused sobriety testing and was placed under arrest for DUI.

After intense negotiations with the State Prosecutor assigned to his case, the State agreed to dismiss the DUI charge and our client plead to a lesser charge. Once again, we were able to help one of our clients avoid the serious consequences of a DUI conviction. If you are looking for an experienced Tampa DUI lawyer, contact Musca Law.

Driving under the influence of the prescription anti-anxiety drug Xanax and either alcohol, or marijuana, has increases substantially over the past decade. One Florida county found that 177 DUI suspects had Xanax in their system last year, as compared to 1998, when only four suspects were found to have the drug in their system. Officers in this county rank Xanax, cocaine, and marijuana as the most common drugs that suspects are found to be under the influence of during arrests.

Xanax, generally known as Alpraxolam, is prescribed to treat panic disorders. While this drug is not as strong as methadone, or even as popular as some painkillers, Xanax has the effect of intensifying intoxication from alcohol. The combination of Xanax and alcohol may be as potent as three or more drinks. The pill can create a euphoric feeling within users, making it popular with people looking for a quick high. Last year 37.5 million prescriptions of Xanax were written. Xanax is easily available illegally and can be purchased for people with prescriptions, or from less reputable websites.

Attorneys at Musca Law are experienced in defending people arrested for Xanax DUI. Recently a young woman retained our services as she faced serious consequences of a Xanax DUI arrest. Her vehicle was stopped by the police for driving with no headlights on. The officer noticed her balance was poor and she almost fell over while getting out of her car. The young woman admitted to the officers that she had smoked marijuana two hours earlier and had taken Xanax without a prescription. The police placed our client under arrest and charged her with DUI, under Fla. Statute 316.193.

Our attorney's closely examined the details of our client's situation. Intense negotiations with the State Attorney regarding evidence in the case resulted in the DUI being dismissed. Our client plead to a reckless driving charge, adjudication withheld. This means our client did not have 4 points accessed to her license and is eligible to have her records sealed.

Musca Law attorneys caution that prescription drugs should only be used by people to whom they are prescribed. Furthermore, Xanax and other prescription drugs can be a very dangerous combination with alcohol, or marijuana. What might seem like one drink, may actually be equivalent to a couple or more when under the influence of a prescription drug like Xanax.