The number of states that allow recreational or medicinal use of marijuana continues to grow, with many people believing Florida is not far behind. However, with the increased use of marijuana comes the difficult task of keeping marijuana use under control. One of the major concerns is making sure intoxicated drivers stay off the roadways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the results of two studies this year and found that the number of drivers under the influence of drugs has increased by 25 percent. The study also showed that drivers under the influence of marijuana were 35 percent more likely to crash.

This has not been an easy task and people charged with driving under the influence of cannabis often have their cases thrown out because there is not enough substantial evidence to prove their guilt. However, that may be changing soon with the introduction of a new testing device that was designed to measure THC or marijuana in the body.

The newest tool to crack down on drugged driving may be coming in the form of a marijuana breathalyzer. A former Canadian Policeman and the founder of Cannabix Technologies developed the handheld device after law enforcement was having difficulty getting charges approved without a scientific tool. Currently, officers use roadside tests to decide whether or not to arrest someone for driving under the influence of marijuana. After the arrest, the suspect is then given a blood test to determine if they are over the legal limit of intoxication.

William Umansky, an Orlando criminal defense attorney, has handled hundreds of DUI cases and he knows how difficult they can be to defend. He stated, "It will be interesting to see if these devices will hold muster in court if they are even approved in Florida. Objectifying someone's impairment through a number has never been a fair way to determine someone's guilt or innocence related to a DUI arrest.” Mr. Umansky, Managing Partner of The Umansky Law Firm , also hopes that more police departments would have their officers wear body cameras, as he feels that videotaping of suspects driving patterns, interaction with police and performance on sobriety tests would give a better overall picture to whether someone is too impaired to drive after ingesting marijuana.

Though the marijuana breathalyzer is still a prototype, many agencies hope this device will make it to the market within the next year. With Florida inching closer and closer to a day when marijuana will be legal for medicinal use, law enforcement is in desperate need for a more effective way to spot drivers under the influence of marijuana.

About The Umansky Law Firm

The Umansky Law Firm is a criminal defense firm located in Orlando, FL. Their goal is to help clients through difficult situations and guide them through the complex criminal justice system. With over 40 years combined legal experience, the DUI attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm know how to address their client’ s need and build a strong legal defense that will protect their client’s rights.

Contact:
Cory Coleman
The Umansky Law Firm
1945 E Michigan St
Orlando, FL 32806
407-228-3838
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http://www.thelawman.net/