If you are a golf fan, Florida resident or even just someone who reads the news, chances are you heard about the recent arrest of golfing legend Tiger Woods. Woods was arrested in Florida after police found him behind the wheel of his running car in the middle of the night.
Police reports indicate that he couldn’t perform field sobriety tests, had slurred speech and was very confused. All signs pointed to intoxication, but he was evidently under the influence of several prescription drugs, and he was arrested for DUI. There are a few important things other Floridians can take away from the upsetting situation in which Woods found himself.
- DUIs are not reserved for drunk driving. You can face criminal charges for driving under the influence of drugs, as well.
- Drugs do not have to be illegal to be impairing, or the subject of criminal charges. Prescription drugs are as powerful as they’ve ever been, and there are strict rules for how people acquire, use and combine them. If you don’t follow these rules and warnings, you can wind up in Woods’ situation or facing charges related to illegal possession or distribution of drugs.
- You don’t actually have to be driving to be charged with DUI. You can be driving or just “in actual physical control of a vehicle,” according to Florida laws.
It is also important to remember that regardless of what you are accused of doing or taking, you have rights when you are pulled over, questioned by police, tested for drugs and alcohol, searched, and arrested. These rights are the same for everyone, whether you are an iconic golfer or not, and it is crucial that you work with an attorney to protect them — and yourself — should you find yourself charged with a drug-related crime, including DUI.
