Drug DUI

Coral Gables Drug DUI Defense Attorney

Fierce Defense for Drugged Driving Charges in the Greater Miami Area

A drug DUI arrest can make you feel like your life is spiraling out of control. Suddenly, you’re facing the immediate threat of a suspended license, fines, and the stigma of a permanent criminal record, leaving you anxious about how you’ll commute to work or provide for your family.

When your liberty is at stake, you need a strong defense that cuts through the state’s aggressive tactics. At Jonathan Blecher, P.A., your fight is our fight. As a former prosecutor with over four decades of experience, Attorney Jonathan Blecher understands how the state builds drug DUI cases and how to dismantle them.

Don’t fight a drug DUI charge alone. Our defense lawyer was named a “Top Ten DUI Lawyer” by the Miami Herald and has an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, underscoring our proven track record of results and longstanding reputation for skilled DUI defense.

If you were arrested for drug DUI in Coral Gables, our award-winning defense lawyer is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us online to discuss your case.

What Is Drug DUI?

Driving under the influence (DUI) doesn’t just apply to alcohol. You can be charged with a drug DUI if you operate a vehicle while your normal faculties are impaired by any controlled substance, prescription medication, or chemical substance (Fla. Stat. § 316.193).

Because there is no “per se” limit for most drugs, prosecutors often rely on subjective observations and field sobriety performance. We can rigorously cross-examine the arresting officer, scrutinize dashboard camera footage, and consult toxicology experts to expose gaps in the prosecution’s narrative.

Understanding the Penalties for a Drug DUI Conviction

A drug DUI conviction triggers severe penalties that can devastate your finances and freedom. Our firm can fight for reduced charges or alternative diversion programs when possible to help mitigate these life-altering consequences.

The exact penalties depend on the offense:

A first drug DUI carries up to six months in jail, $500 to $1,000 in fines, and 180 days to one year of license revocation.
A second drug DUI carries up to nine months in jail, $1,000 to $2,000 in fines, and a mandatory ignition interlock device for at least one year. A second offense within five years of the first carries a minimum of ten days in jail and a five-year license revocation.
A third drug DUI that occurs within ten years of a previous conviction is punishable by up to five years in prison, fines of $2,000 to $5,000, and a license revocation of at least ten years.

Can I Face a DUI Charge for a Lawfully Prescribed Medication?

Yes. Florida’s DUI statute doesn't distinguish between illegal drugs and legally prescribed medication. Having a prescription explains why the substance is in your system, but it doesn't excuse impaired driving.

Xanax®, Ambien®, and oxycodone are all controlled substances. If they impair your normal faculties behind the wheel, you can be charged with DUI regardless of a valid prescription. However, a prescription changes how a case should be defended.

Our attorney can examine the dosage, timing, and your individual tolerance to challenge whether the substance actually caused impairment, or whether the officer misread normal side effects, fatigue, or an unrelated medical condition as intoxication.

What Happens to My License After a Drug DUI Arrest?

After a drug DUI arrest, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will suspend your driving privileges if you refuse a urine or blood test. This administrative suspension is completely separate from criminal proceedings, meaning you can lose your license before you’re even convicted of a crime.

You only have ten days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV to challenge the suspension. Our firm can intervene early to protect your driving privileges by filing the necessary paperwork and representing you at both administrative and criminal hearings.

Even if the suspension is upheld, we can fight to secure a temporary hardship license so you can continue commuting to work or school while we fight your criminal charges.

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Trusted When It Matters Most.

See What Our Clients Say

“Excellent Experience”
“I had an excellent experience working with attorney Jonathan Blecher. He handled my case professionally and efficiently, and the outcome couldn’t have been better—my case was completely dropped, with no points, no fees, and I didn’t even ”

- Maya C.
“Professional & Knowledgeable”
“Jonathan was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to really listen to my concerns. He made sure I understood every step of the process. His calm and thoughtful approach made a challenging situation much easier to handle.”

- Jennifer S.
“Very Satisfied”
“Mr. Blecher explained everything in detail, along with a timeline for when it would be completed. He did everything he promised and was able to complete everything within the timeframe promised. I was very satisfied with his work.”

- Barbara F.
“Exceeded My Expectations”
“Working with Jonathan was an excellent experience. He was attentive, clear in his communication, and made sure I understood every part of the process. I felt supported throughout, and the outcome exceeded my expectations.”

- Shaundel H.

How Police Use Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) in Drug DUI Cases

When an officer suspects drug impairment, they may call in a drug recognition expert (DRE) to conduct a standardized evaluation, covering everything from a breath alcohol test and eye examinations to vital signs and a physical exam. At the end of the evaluation, the DRE offers an opinion on whether the driver is impaired and which category of drug is likely responsible.

Unfortunately, this process can be highly subjective. A DRE's opinion depends on how carefully each of the steps was followed and how the officer interpreted normal variations in pulse, pupil size, or muscle tone. We can review the DRE's full report and training records for skipped steps, inconsistent findings, or conclusions that don't match the toxicology results to undermine unfounded impairment claims.

Over 40 Years of Experience Fighting Drug DUI Charges

After more than 40 years defending against DUI, our team frequently sees drug DUI arrests built on the weakest evidence: a DRE’s subjective opinion, a blood draw taken hours after the stop, or an officer mistaking fatigue or anxiety for intoxication.

With over 3,000 DUI cases handled, our lawyer has firsthand knowledge of how these cases are prosecuted and where they tend to fall apart. We never treat you like another case file. Instead, we focus on developing battle-tested defense strategies that keep our clients’ records clean and their futures intact.

Don’t leave your future to chance after a DUI arrest. When you partner with our firm, you’re securing a top-rated advocate with national recognition for DUI defense.

Fighting a drug DUI charge can be intimidating, but you don’t have to face the state’s firepower alone. Call (786) 977-9355 to schedule a free consultation.

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