A commercial driver’s license in Florida can be suspended for an entire year for having a blood alcohol level of only .04. As experienced DUI defense attorneys and former prosecutors, we are well-versed in the state laws that govern alcohol-related driving offenses and the specified penalties for such offenses. Our team knows that the drunk driving laws in this state are not necessarily universal, meaning that there are various laws that apply to various types of drivers.
For example, an individual who drives a commercial motor vehicle is required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Individuals who have this type of license are subject to penalties that drives without a CDL are not. While commercial and non-commercial drivers are all subject to the more general DUI penalties, only individuals driving commercial motor vehicles at the time of the incident in question are subject to the penalties prescribed in Florida State Statutes s. 322.61. Call a Ft. Lauderdale CDL DUI lawyer today.
When Can CDL License Suspension Occur?
According to state law, an individual can have their commercial driver’s license suspended for the period of one year for just one of the following offenses:
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle with a blood, breath or urine alcohol level of .04 or above;
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle and refusing to submit to a test to determine alcohol concentration; or
- Driving a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled substance.
Because operators of commercial motor vehicles are also subject to the penalties listed in the general DUI statute, the 1-year commercial driver’s license disqualification will be in addition to any penalties outlined in the general DUI statute. A lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale could help someone with a CDL fight the DUI charges of which they have been accused to avoid suspension.
Consequences of Drunk or Impaired Driving with a CDL
In addition to the one-year commercial license suspension, a driver may receive additional penalties. Some of these penalties may include:
- A fine and jail time
- A requirement to complete a drug or alcohol education course
- Probation of up to one year
- Permanent criminal record
Additionally, because Florida law does not allow for a hardship license in these scenarios, a commercial driver may not be able to keep or obtain employment in their current field. The Ft. Lauderdale attorneys at our firm could help a CDL holder avoid or minimize these consequences after being charged with a DUI.
Let a Ft. Lauderdale CDL DUI Attorney Help
Our Ft. Lauderdale CDL DUI lawyers could help you if you are a commercial driver who has been accused of operating a vehicle while under the influence. We have decades of experience in defending cases just like yours. We urge you to contact us to schedule a free consultation.
