John Musca on Xanax DUI Arrests Increasing in Florida

Criminal Defense Attorney John Musca cautions that prescription drugs should only be used by people to whom they are prescribed.  He finds it unfortunate that facts indicate driving under the influence of the prescription anti-anxiety drug Xanax and either alcohol, or marijuana, has increased substantially over the past decade in the State of Florida.  

One Florida county found that 177 DUI suspects had Xanax in their system last year, as compared to 1998 and only four DUI 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. Ten years ago Xanax was prescribed to far fewer people and was not as readily available on the streets.

John Musca warns that Xanax and other prescription drugs can be a very dangerous combination with alcohol, or marijuana.  Xanax, generally known as Alazopam, 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 could 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.

As an experienced DUI defense attorney, John Musca has handled thousands of Florida DUI cases and has definitely seen an increase in Xanax DUI arrests.  He feels it is important to create an awareness of the fact 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.

Musca Law is comprised of the top Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys. If you have any criminal offense or issue that requires a top Florida Criminal Attorney, Musca Law & John Musca can help.

We understand the fear and apprehension you feel. We know the prospect of losing your freedom can be overwhelming. That is why we developed a team approach to representing our clients.

Our team approach has earned us an excellent reputation among our peers, prosecutors, and judges throughout south Florida. By pulling from the strengths of each team member, we are able to present an aggressive defense on your behalf.

Our focus is on you. We maintain extended hours and are available for evening and weekend appointments. When you hire us, you will have a team of experienced criminal trial lawyers in your corner. Our experienced team of criminal defense lawyers has over 100 years of combined criminal defense experience.

Florida Counties We Serve: Musca Law provides statewide representation for individuals charged with a criminal offense throughout the state of Florida. Below is a list of all Florida Counties we serve.

Alachua Florida, Baker Florida, Bay Florida, Bradford Florida, Brevard Florida, Broward Florida, Calhoun Florida, Charlotte Florida, Citrus Florida, Clay Florida, Collier Florida, Columbia Florida, DeSoto Florida, Dixie Florida, Duval Florida, Escambia Florida, Flagler Florida, Franklin Florida, Gadsden Florida, Gilchrist Florida, Glades Florida, Gulf Florida, Hamilton Florida, Hardee Florida, Hendry Florida, Hernando Florida, Highlands Florida, Hillsborough Florida, Holmes Florida, Indian River Florida, Jackson Florida, Jefferson Florida, Lafayette Florida, Lake Florida, Lee Florida, Leon Florida, Levy Florida, Liberty Florida, Madison Florida, Manatee Florida, Marion Florida, Martin Florida, Miami - Florida Dade Florida, Monroe Florida, Nassau Florida, Okaloosa Florida, Okeechobee Florida, Orange Florida, Osceola Florida, Palm Florida, Beach Florida, Pasco Florida, Pinellas Florida, Polk Florida, Putnam Florida, Santa Rosa Florida, Sarasota Florida, Seminole Florida, St. Johns Florida, St. Lucie Florida, Sumter Florida, Suwannee Florida, Taylor Florida, Union Florida, Volusia Florida, Wakulla Florida, Walton Florida, and Washington.

Some of the Issues that Musca Law and John Musca can Help you with:

Florida DUI Drunk Driving - Florida Criminal Defense - Florida License Revocation Hearings - Florida White Collar Crimes - Florida Violent Crimes - Florida Traffic Offenses - Florida Theft Crimes - Florida Sex Crimes - Florida Probation Violations - Florida Juvenile Crimes - Florida Expungement - Florida Drug Crimes - Florida Criminal Enterprises - Florida Federal Drug Trafficking - Florida Bribery - Florida Counterfeiting - Florida Public Corruption - Florida Obstructing Justice - Florida Resisting without Violence - Florida Trespass - Florida Disorderly Conduct - Florida Disorderly Intoxication - Florida Boating Under the Influence - Florida Dealing in Stolen Property - Florida Community Control Violations - Florida Fraud Offenses - Florida Insurance Fraud - Florida Organized Fraud - Florida Stalking - Florida Aggravated Stalking - Florida Weapons Offenses - Florida Concealed Firearm - Florida Forgery & Counterfeiting - Florida Uttering a Forged Instrument - Florida Bad Check Offenses - Florida Worthless Check

Florida DUI Law states

316.193 Driving under the influence; penalties.

(1)  A person is guilty of the offense of driving under the influence and is subject to punishment as provided in subsection (2) if the person is driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within this state and:
(a)  The person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in s. 877.111, or any substance controlled under chapter 893, when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired;
(b)  The person has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; or
(c)  The person has a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
When someone gets a driver’s license in Florida, they accept a number of terms and conditions whose consequences are not all the time immediately evident. One such Florida DUI law concept is “implied consent.”  The statement, “I hereby consent to any chemical test for sobriety as required by law” appears openly above your signature. Implied consent means that when a driver in Florida operates a vehicle on the roads by this action they are considered to have given advance permission to any law enforcement officer to stop them at any time while they are on their road and test them to see if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Provided By John Musca Blog

John Musca - DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a serious offense. A DUI may cause you to lose you drivers’ license, to receive an exorbitant fine, to watch your insurance rates skyrocket, and may even cause you to lose your freedom.

The penalties are even more serious if you were involved in an accident or vehicular homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

You should know you only have 10 days from the date you were arrested for DUI to request an administrative review hearing to retain your driving privileges.

How Our Experienced Florida DUI Attorney Team Can Help

Our team of criminal defense attorneys has over 100 years of combined experience. We will investigate the constitutionality of the stop, the procedures used in obtaining evidence, the constitutionality of any statements you gave, and the accuracy of any tests administered.

We have the experience and understanding to represent you if you have been charged with an alcohol related offense. We are equipped to handle your criminal hearing as well as the formal administrative review hearing regarding the retention of your driving privileges.