DUID Attorney St. Augustine

Drugged Driving Charges Can Change Your Life

A drug related DUI arrest can feel overwhelming. One traffic stop in St. Augustine can suddenly threaten your license, your job, and your record. If you are facing an accusation of driving under the influence of drugs, our team at Canan Law is here to step in and guide you.

We know you may be anxious, embarrassed, and unsure what to do next. You might have been taking a prescribed medication, or you may be confused about what officers say they saw or smelled. Our role is to listen, explain what Florida law actually requires, and help you make informed decisions at every stage.

For more than three decades, our firm has represented people in St. Augustine and throughout St. Johns County in serious criminal matters. Our attorneys bring more than 85 years of combined practice experience to the courtroom, and we use that background to build deliberate, evidence based strategies in DUID and drug intoxication cases.

If you were arrested for a drug DUI in St. Augustine, you can contact our criminal defense team to request a confidential consultation and discuss your options. Call (904) 849-2266

Why Our Defense Team Is Different

When your future is on the line, you need more than a name on a billboard. You need a criminal defense team that knows the local courts and understands how prosecutors build impaired driving cases involving drugs. At Canan Law, our attorneys work together on strategy instead of handling files in isolation.

Our team has handled more than 250 jury trials across criminal, civil, and family law matters. Jury experience matters in a DUID case, because it shapes how we review officer reports, challenge drug test results, and present your story if a case proceeds to trial. We prepare from the beginning as if your case may go the distance, not simply with a quick plea in mind.

We have proudly served clients in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas for more than thirty years. During that time, we have become widely known throughout Northeast Florida and familiar with judges and prosecutors in St. Johns County. This local insight helps us understand how certain arguments are likely to be received and how similar cases have been handled in this community.

Our firm is led by founding attorney and managing partner Patrick T. Canan. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Northern Districts of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. He has been recognized with AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale Hubbell and multiple "Best Attorney" honors in the Best of St. Augustine. These credentials reflect the level of professionalism and dedication that shapes our entire team.

Equally important, we strive to treat every client with respect. We know good people can find themselves facing drug related DUI charges for many reasons. Our focus is on understanding what happened, protecting your rights, and working toward a result that helps you move forward.

Florida Drug DUI Charges Explained

Florida law does not limit DUI charges to alcohol. A person can face a DUI accusation if officers believe they were driving while impaired by illegal drugs, controlled substances, or even lawfully prescribed medications. The key issue is whether the state claims the substance affected your normal faculties while you were driving.

Many drug related DUI cases in this area begin with a traffic stop by the St. Augustine Police Department or the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. An officer may report signs such as unusual driving, the smell of marijuana, or a person appearing drowsy or confused. Field sobriety exercises are often requested, and in some situations blood or urine testing is sought to look for the presence of drugs.

Unlike alcohol cases that rely on a breath test and a clear numerical limit, DUID cases are often more complex. The presence of a substance in blood or urine does not automatically prove that a driver was impaired at the time of driving. Some drugs remain detectable long after their effects have faded, and certain medical conditions or fatigue can mimic signs officers attribute to drug use.

The potential consequences of a drug DUI conviction in Florida can be serious. Depending on whether this is a first offense or a repeat allegation, a person may be facing fines, probation, license suspension, mandatory programs, and the possibility of time in jail. A conviction can also create a criminal record that appears in background checks, which may affect employment, housing, or professional licensing.

Every case is different. Factors such as prior history, whether a crash occurred, and the specific accusations in the police report all play a role. Our goal is to help you understand how Florida DUID law applies to your situation, where there may be weaknesses in the state's case, and what options may reasonably be available.

How We Defend Drug DUI Cases

Defending a DUID case is not just about reading a police report. At Canan Law, we begin by sitting down with you and listening to your account of the stop, the questions you were asked, and how you were treated. We review dash camera or body camera footage when available, as well as laboratory paperwork, to look beyond the surface of the allegations.

Our attorneys examine whether the officer had a lawful basis to stop your vehicle and whether any roadside investigation was handled appropriately. We look closely at how field sobriety exercises were explained and administered. Many factors, such as medical issues, injuries, or nervousness, can affect performance on these tests, and jurors may view that context differently when it is fully presented.

In cases involving blood or urine testing, we pay attention to the chain of custody, timing, and methods used. The presence of a drug in a sample does not necessarily prove impairment while driving. Dosage, prescription instructions, tolerance, and individual response can all influence whether a person was actually too impaired to drive. Our trial experience helps us frame these issues effectively when negotiating with prosecutors or presenting evidence at hearings and trial.

Our defense work is collaborative. The attorneys in our firm test ideas with one another and refine strategies based on decades spent in criminal courtrooms. We draw on our knowledge of how St. Johns County judges typically handle certain motions and how local juries tend to respond to different types of evidence. This helps us tailor our approach to the realities of litigating a DUID case in this community.

Throughout the process, we work to keep you informed. We explain the charges, potential penalties, and the stages of the case in clear language. We discuss the pros and cons of options such as filing particular motions, pursuing negotiations, or taking a case to trial. Our aim is to equip you with the information you need to make decisions that align with your goals and circumstances.

Steps To Take After A DUID Arrest

The hours and days after a drug DUI arrest can feel chaotic. You may have been released from the St. Johns County jail with paperwork you have not had time to read, and you may be worried about your job and family. Taking certain steps early can help protect your rights and give your attorney a better opportunity to build a defense.

Here are practical steps you can take after a DUID arrest:

• Keep all documents you received at the jail or from officers, including any citation, notice of court date, and bond information.
• Write down your recollection of the stop and arrest while details are still fresh, including locations in St. Augustine, what was said, and any witnesses present.
• Avoid discussing the incident on social media or with anyone other than your attorney, since statements can sometimes be used by the prosecution.
• Attend all scheduled court appearances at the St. Johns County courthouse and arrive early so you have time to find the correct courtroom.
• Contact our criminal defense team promptly so we can review your paperwork, explain the timeline, and begin investigating the circumstances of your arrest.

Certain deadlines, such as those related to license issues or filing particular motions, can arrive quickly. The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can start analyzing the evidence and advising you on how to respond to the state's allegations. You do not have to navigate this process on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after a DUID arrest in St. Johns County?

After a DUID arrest, you are typically booked, then given a first court date at the St. Johns County courthouse. The case then moves through arraignment and later hearings. Our attorneys can review your paperwork, appear with you in court, and guide you through each stage of the process.

Will I lose my driver’s license for a drug DUI?

A drug related DUI can lead to license suspension in Florida, particularly if a conviction occurs. The length and terms depend on factors such as prior history and case facts. We can review your situation, explain potential license consequences, and discuss options that may help you preserve limited driving privileges.

How can your attorneys challenge drug test results?

We evaluate how blood or urine samples were collected, stored, and tested. Issues with timing, chain of custody, or laboratory methods can affect reliability. We also consider whether test results truly show impairment while driving. Our trial experience helps us present these concerns in negotiations and in court.

Can I be charged with DUID for prescription medication?

Yes, Florida law allows DUI charges based on lawful prescriptions if the state claims the medication impaired your normal faculties. We look at your medical history, dosage, and how you were actually functioning. Our goal is to present the full picture, not just a list of substances found in a test.

How quickly should I contact a lawyer after a DUID?

It is usually wise to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a DUID arrest. Early involvement allows us to review evidence, advise you before critical decisions, and keep track of court and license related deadlines. Our team works to respond promptly and begin protecting your interests.

Talk With Our Criminal Defense Team

A drug related DUI charge can affect far more than one night on the side of the road. Your license, freedom, career, and family life may all feel uncertain. You deserve guidance from attorneys who understand both Florida DUID law and how these cases are handled in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.

At Canan Law, we bring decades of local courtroom experience, a team based approach, and a commitment to open communication to every criminal case we handle. We work to analyze the evidence carefully, explain your options clearly, and help you pursue a path that protects your future as much as possible.

If you need to speak with a duid lawyer St. Augustine about a recent arrest, our criminal defense team is ready to listen and provide direction on your next steps.

If you need to speak with a DUID lawyer in St. Augustine, contact our office oCall (904) 849-2266 to talk with our team today.