Being arrested for a DUI is serious for any driver, but if you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Duval County, the consequences can be even more severe. Your CDL is not just a license to drive — it’s your livelihood. Understanding the rules and potential penalties is crucial if you want to protect your career and your rights.
Immediate Consequences After a DUI Arrest
If you are arrested for DUI in Duval County, law enforcement will typically confiscate your license or issue a temporary driving permit. For commercial drivers, Florida law has specific requirements that go beyond the standard DUI process for non-commercial drivers.
Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, any DUI conviction for a commercial vehicle automatically affects your CDL. Even a first-time DUI conviction can result in a minimum one-year disqualification from driving commercially. If you were transporting hazardous materials at the time, the disqualification period can extend to three years.
Additionally, Florida’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to chemical testing upon request by law enforcement. Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test can lead to license suspension, which for commercial drivers may be separate from the standard non-commercial penalties.
Long-Term Impact on Your CDL
A DUI conviction is not only a short-term problem. It can have long-term implications for your commercial driving career:
- Employment Consequences: Many trucking companies and employers require a clean driving record. A DUI can result in immediate termination or disqualification from future positions.
- Insurance Premiums: Commercial auto insurance rates may increase significantly after a DUI. In some cases, your employer may not cover you under their policy until your record is clean.
- Future Licensing: Any subsequent DUI convictions will result in longer disqualification periods, potentially up to a lifetime ban for repeated offenses.
Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest
If you are a commercial driver facing a DUI charge, it’s critical to take the following steps:
- Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney before answering questions about alcohol or drug use.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of the stop, the arrest, and any interactions with law enforcement.
- Seek legal counsel immediately: An experienced DUI attorney can help you navigate both state and federal regulations, challenge any procedural errors, and potentially reduce the impact on your CDL.
- Consider administrative hearings: Florida allows drivers to contest their license suspension or disqualification through an administrative hearing. Failing to act promptly may result in automatic loss of your CDL.
Why Legal Representation Matters
DUI cases for commercial drivers are more complex than standard DUI cases. They involve both state DUI laws and federal regulations, meaning mistakes during the arrest, testing, or administrative process can have amplified consequences. A knowledgeable attorney can help:
- Evaluate the legality of the traffic stop and DUI testing.
- Advice on options for mitigating CDL disqualification.
- Represent you in administrative or criminal proceedings.
- Protect your future career in commercial driving.
Failing to act quickly or attempting to handle a DUI charge without professional help can jeopardize your CDL and your livelihood.
Jacksonville DUI Lawyer
If you hold a CDL and have been arrested for DUI in Duval County, don’t wait. First Coast Criminal Defense has extensive experience representing commercial drivers. Call us at (904) 474-3115 for a free consultation and to start protecting your career and your rights today.
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