Commercial DUI Charges in Florida

Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard than other drivers. In addition to the fact that they must adhere to stricter traffic laws, they are also held to a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit. While the legal limit for most drivers is 0.08%, the limit for commercial drivers is just 0.04%.

If you are a commercial driver, you can be charged with DUI if you are found to have a BAC of 0.04% or higher.

Remember, you can be charged with DUI for driving under the influence of drugs, even if there is no alcohol in your system. In these cases, the prosecution will need to prove that you were, in fact, under the influence of drugs and that this impairment negatively impacted your ability to drive safely.

Commercial DUI Penalties

Commercial DUI offenses are criminal offenses, and drivers may face fines, probation, and even imprisonment. The severity of penalties can increase based on factors such as the driver's BAC level and whether it is a first-time or repeat offense.

In addition to the criminal penalties for DUI, commercial drivers may also face administrative penalties, such as a CDL disqualification. A first offense could result in CDL disqualification for one year (or three years if you were transporting hazardous material at the time of arrest). A second offense can lead to lifetime disqualification.

What Happens If You Are Convicted of a CDL DUI?

When a commercial driver is convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Florida, it can have significant and lasting consequences for their career.

Many employers in the commercial driving industry have strict policies regarding DUI convictions. A DUI conviction can lead to termination of employment, especially if the offense occurred while operating a commercial vehicle. Employers often view DUI convictions as a serious violation of safety regulations.

Even after completing any required suspension or disqualification period, a commercial driver with a DUI conviction may face challenges in finding future employment within the industry. Many companies conduct background checks and have policies against hiring individuals with a history of DUI convictions. Some companies or carriers may also have strict policies against hiring individuals with a DUI conviction, limiting the driver's options for employment within the commercial driving industry.

Additionally, a DUI conviction can lead to significant increases in insurance premiums. Commercial vehicle insurance is already costly, and a DUI on a driver's record can result in even higher insurance rates.

Depending on the circumstances, a DUI conviction may lead to the loss of certain endorsements on the CDL, such as hazmat or passenger endorsements.

How We Can Help

At First Coast Criminal Defense, we understand that your livelihood is at stake if you are facing commercial DUI charges in Florida. Our Jacksonville commercial DUI attorney is committed to helping you fight for a favorable resolution. We will work diligently to protect your rights and your future every step of the way.

When you choose our firm, you get:

• Experienced legal guidance
• Personalized attention
• Aggressive representation, in and out of the courtroom
• Available 24/7, including nights and weekends

Our team can help you understand the potential penalties you face, as well as your legal options. We will help you build a strong defense and, when necessary, aggressively advocate for you in court.

Reach out to First Coast Criminal Defense today at (904) 474-3115 to schedule your free initial consultation.