DUI Attorney Fort Myers: Facing Drug Intoxication Charges?

Take Control of Your Future with an Advocate Who Knows the System

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or medication in Fort Myers or Lee County, you may feel overwhelmed and anxious about what comes next. The law in this area moves quickly, and a single mistake can impact your license, reputation, and freedom. You deserve a team that understands what is at stake and has the experience to help you through these stressful moments.

At Brian L. Edwards, Esq., we use our background from decades on both sides of the courtroom to protect clients throughout Fort Myers and Lee County. We are known for clear communication, rapid response, and treating every case with the attention it deserves. When the State brings charges for DUI or drug intoxication, our goal is to anticipate the prosecution's strategies, challenge their evidence, and keep you informed at every step.

Our experience as former prosecutors and lifelong members of this community means we know the Lee County courts, judges, and procedures that will affect your case. Let us stand in your corner when everything feels uncertain and the outcome could impact your future.

To speak with our experienced Fort Myers DUI lawyers, call (239) 204-5657 or contact us online.

Why Our Team Is Your Advantage Against DUI Charges in Fort Myers

Trust is essential when your future is at risk. We bring more than twenty years of trial experience, including time spent on the prosecution side, so we know how the State builds DUI and drug intoxication cases in this region. Our team uses this insight to anticipate local strategies, helping us protect your rights from the very start.

We have built a respected reputation in Fort Myers and Lee County. Our attorney’s involvement in high-profile cases and the respect earned from judges and peers at the Lee County Justice Center help us advocate for you effectively. Clients often tell us they feel reassured by our straightforward communication and honest appraisals of what to expect.

When you call our firm, you receive prompt answers and real support. Every case receives thorough preparation, attention to detail, and the personal approach that comes from understanding how much these charges can affect your life.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest? Your Next Steps in Lee County

Getting arrested for a drug-related DUI can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time dealing with the criminal justice system in Fort Myers. The process typically begins with your arrest, followed by a bond hearing at the Lee County Justice Center. The timing for these hearings often depends on the court’s schedule and the complexity of your case, but early action is crucial to protect your rights.

To safeguard your defense, make these steps a priority:

• Limit discussions to your attorney. Protect your rights and avoid sharing details until you have legal counsel.
• Secure legal help promptly. Early case analysis means more defense options and faster action on your behalf.
• Collect paperwork from your arrest. This may include police documents, bond details, and court notices.
• Track your court dates and deadlines. Missing important dates can lead to avoidable legal consequences.
• Let us handle official communication. We contact law enforcement and prosecutors to protect your case's strengths.

We move quickly to demystify what happens next, answering your questions and explaining every step, from your first appearance to arguments we may raise in court. Our attorney is always accessible to both clients and their families as you navigate this process together.

How We Approach DUI Defense in Fort Myers

Every DUI case in Fort Myers involves unique details. We start with thorough investigation—reviewing video, lab results, and the circumstances of your traffic stop. Because we have prosecuted cases in Lee County courts, we often spot weaknesses in evidence and procedure that can make a decisive difference.

Our process is focused on evidence, but we never treat cases as routine. We examine officer training, legal grounds for the stop, the reliability of field sobriety assessments, and lab results for any flaws. When officers or labs make errors, we press these issues in court, striving for dismissed charges or suppressed evidence.

We also tailor defense plans to each client's priorities. Some fear employment loss, others are concerned about families or further education. We adapt our advice and strategies to fit what matters most to you, keeping you updated on progress and discussing your options candidly throughout your defense.

Investigative Strategies That Make the Difference

Leveraging our prosecutorial experience, we assess:

Key areas we examine in drugged driving cases include:

• Whether law enforcement followed proper procedure during the stop and arrest.
• The credentials and performance of any drug recognition expert involved.
• If there were problems with handling or storing your lab samples.
• Gaps in the narrative that could support dismissing the case or suppressing evidence.

This approach helps us defend you vigorously in Fort Myers and Lee County courts.

Local Knowledge: Why Fort Myers & Lee County Courts Matter in Your Case

Florida law treats driving under the influence of drugs as a serious offense. In Fort Myers courts, specific practices and procedures often shape these cases. Our background representing clients at the Lee County Justice Center gives us firsthand knowledge of local trends in evidence handling, prosecutorial approaches, and how particular judges handle cases involving drug recognition assessments or disputed field sobriety tests.

Understanding the complex interplay between law enforcement, court schedules, and the personalities in the local legal system provides a real advantage. We maintain strong relationships and respect within the Fort Myers legal community, which helps us advocate for you and find solutions that may not be obvious to attorneys unfamiliar with Lee County courtrooms. That credibility is invaluable for both negotiations and trial work.

Drug Intoxication Charges: Consequences & Defenses

Charges for driving under the influence of drugs can result in severe penalties in Florida. These may include fines, jail time, loss of your license, probation, a permanent record, or mandated treatment. DUI convictions can affect your ability to find work and may have lasting effects on your future opportunities.

It's important to understand the distinct challenges of these cases:

• Unlike alcohol DUIs, chemical tests for drugs often do not directly prove impairment.
• Field sobriety tests may be subjective and easily disputed in court.
• Police and prosecutors sometimes build cases on officer observations rather than scientific results.
• Prescription medications are frequently involved, creating confusion about legality and impairment.

We focus on exposing errors in stops, testing, and officer reporting. By applying our detailed approach and prosecutorial perspective, we strive to find weaknesses in the State's case, fight for reduced penalties, or, when possible, seek a dismissal.

What to Expect From Our Team

Clients come to us facing life-changing situations. We respond with clear direction, transparency, and continuous support throughout your defense. You can count on us at every stage for honest answers and strategic action.

If you choose our team, you will benefit from:

• Comprehensive intake reviews so we understand every angle of your case.
• Straightforward explanations of your rights and risks, all in plain language.
• Prompt answers to calls or emails, often same day.
• Consistent updates as court dates and strategy decisions arise.
• Guidance for families and parents facing DUI or drug intoxication charges together.

Our accessibility helps take the stress out of the unknown. Clients often tell us that being able to reach our attorney, and getting clear explanations throughout, makes them feel more confident as we handle the process in Fort Myers or Lee County courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after a DUI arrest in Fort Myers?

After a DUI arrest, you typically go to the Lee County Jail before your first appearance at the Lee County Justice Center. At this initial hearing, the court sets bond and schedules future dates. These steps can differ depending on your background and the specifics of your case. Our team assesses your situation early and begins working to protect your rights, which helps you avoid missed deadlines and gives you a range of possible defense options.

Can you help me keep my license after a drug DUI?

In many drug DUI cases, you face an immediate administrative license suspension through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. These proceedings are time-sensitive. Our team has experience in Fort Myers guiding clients through hearings, deadlines, and strategies that can help you protect your driving privileges whenever the law allows it. We explain the local process and do everything possible to minimize the impact on your license.

How does your prosecutorial background help my DUI case?

Our prosecutorial history gives us insider knowledge of the prosecution's typical tactics in Lee County DUI cases. We use this understanding to anticipate legal strategies, spot weaknesses in the evidence, and improve our negotiation or trial approach on your behalf. It lets us offer defenses grounded in experience with how these cases are built and challenged locally.

Will my employer or school find out about my charges?

Disclosure often depends on your profession, mandatory reporting, or who checks public records. Employers and schools may discover your charges through background checks, but not always. We talk openly about privacy risks and support clients with strategies designed to help keep your situation as private as possible within the limits of Florida law.

How often will I hear from your team about my case?

You will receive updates at every stage and can always reach us for questions. We aim to answer calls and emails promptly—often the same day—and notify you of court developments or key decisions as soon as they happen. Our focus on responsive communication prevents surprises and provides peace of mind throughout your defense.

What makes drug-related DUI charges different from alcohol DUIs in Florida?

Prosecutors treat DUI and alcohol DUI cases differently because drug impairment is harder to measure. Drug DUI cases often rely on observations, field tests, and sometimes questionable science. These cases require a unique defense strategy that challenges both legal and technical points. Our familiarity with these details in Fort Myers courts helps us find and act on defense opportunities others may overlook.

Do you help parents whose kids were arrested for DUI?

Yes. We represent both adults and minors facing DUI or drug intoxication charges in Fort Myers. We pay special attention to parents' needs, explaining each step with patience and making sure everyone understands what to expect. Our team remains available to provide reassurance, answer questions, and guide you through the entire legal process.

Talk to a Fort Myers DUI Attorney Today

If you are dealing with a DUI or drug intoxication charge, contact us as soon as possible. Quick legal help leads to stronger defenses and reduces the uncertainty you may feel now. With prosecutorial insight, local credibility, and a commitment to client care, we provide the kind of support and strategy you need in Fort Myers. We are prepared to answer questions and guide you every step of the way toward the best possible result.

Call (239) 204-5657 for immediate, judgment-free help from a DUI attorney in Fort Myers.