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Flakka: the synthetic drug that could lead to a DUI

When most people here in Florida hear that a person has been arrested for driving under the influence, they generally assume that the person was under the influence of alcohol. While this can be the case, did you know that intoxication can encompass a number of substances, including drugs or chemicals? If you didn’t, then you’ll want to read today’s post carefully.

Some of our Orlando readers may have heard about the rise in popularity of the synthetic drug known as flakka. Similar to bath salts, this chemical compound is inhaled using electronic cigarettes, which causes what the National Institute of Drug Abuse calls an “excited delirium.” While under the influence of the drug, the body temperature rises considerably and can cause a person to become paranoid or hallucinate.

Not only does a person risk damaging their kidneys or worse, suffering a heart attack, using this drug could increase a person’s risk of getting a DUI. That’s because, as we mentioned above, the criminal charge of driving under the influence does not only refer to alcohol, it also refers to drugs as well. As is explained in Section 316.193 of the Florida Statutes, driving under the influence of chemical substances is against the law and can lead to fines and/or imprisonment.

A DUI is not the only criminal charge that a person here in Florida could face because of flakka. In 2014, the DEA temporarily made synthetic cathinones, the family to which flakka belongs, schedule I drugs, meaning any person found to have this substance in their possession could face federal drug charges as well.

So whether someone you know has used this drug or you are considering it yourself, today’s post should give you pause, especially because using this drug could leave you facing serious criminal charges and in need of good legal counsel in the end.

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