Penalties for a Commercial Driver Convicted of DUI

By Jonathan Blecher on October 23, 2015

A DUI conviction in Florida can bring harsh consequences, especially if you are a commercial driver. For people with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the laws and restrictions for maintaining your license are very strict, carrying a very low tolerance for driving under the influence or receiving traffic violations. If you have been arrested for DUI while driving a commercial vehicle, there are several penalties that can result.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a “major violation” for a commercial driver, carrying stiff penalties. For the first major violation, your CDL will be suspended for one year. If a second major violation is committed, your CDL will be permanently terminated.

The following acts are considered major violations:

  • Being under the influence of alcohol
  • Being under the influence of a controlled substance
  • Having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more
  • Refusing to take a chemical test

Under certain conditions, a driver may be allowed to apply for reinstatement of their license after 10 years have passed. These circumstances are very rare and are determined at the discretion of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In addition, a person with a suspended CDL is ineligible to apply for a hardship license for the purposes of driving a commercial vehicle.

Since the stakes are so high for commercial drivers, it is imperative that you seek an aggressive defense from my firm in the event that you should ever be accused of DUI with a commercial driver’s license. I, Attorney Jonathan Blecher, am prepared to stand by your side throughout the entirety of your case and will make every effort to seek to have your DUI charges dropped. I understand the gravity of your situation, and as a DUI defense lawyer in Miami, my firm is prepared to do everything in its power to fight to secure a desirable outcome on your behalf.

Take advantage of your free consultation  or call my office today at 305-321-3237.

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