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Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyer > Blog > Criminal Defense > A Commercial Driver’s License and Intoxication Charges

A Commercial Driver’s License and Intoxication Charges

DUI Law

For Floridians who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), being charged with driving under the influence can carry far-reaching consequences. Since a CDL is often a person’s livelihood, facing intoxication charges can jeopardize their ability to work and earn a living. If you hold a CDL and are accused of DUI, connect with an experienced Clearwater criminal lawyer to protect your future.

Stricter DUI Laws for CDL Holders

A CDL is required for drivers operating large or specialized vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses, or heavy machinery. CDL holders must meet more stringent driving requirements than regular drivers, both in terms of obtaining the license and maintaining it. Commercial drivers are subject to stricter rules because they handle larger, more dangerous vehicles, which can pose significant risks to public safety.

While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for non-commercial drivers is 0.08%, CDL holders are subject to a lower threshold. For individuals operating a commercial vehicle, the legal BAC limit is 0.04%, half the standard limit. Additionally, if you are a CDL holder but are driving a personal vehicle when pulled over, you are subject to the regular 0.08% limit, but any conviction or license suspension can still impact your CDL.

There are a few possible consequences if you are a CDL holder who is convicted of DUI.

  • License suspension. A first DUI conviction can result in a one-year disqualification of your CDL. If the incident involved hazardous materials, the suspension could last up to three years. A second conviction may lead to a lifetime CDL ban.
  • Fines and jail time. DUI convictions come with heavy fines and the possibility of jail time. The severity of the punishment often depends on your BAC level and whether there were any aggravating factors, such as property damage or injuries.
  • Impact on your career. Many trucking companies and commercial employers have strict policies against hiring drivers with a DUI on their record, making it difficult to find new employment after a conviction.

If you’re a CDL holder facing intoxication charges, working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial.

Challenging the Evidence and Mitigating Penalties

As soon as you hire a Clearwater criminal lawyer, they will examine whether the traffic stop was conducted legally and if the results of any tests were accurate. Any procedural errors by law enforcement could lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

There may even be a way for your lawyer to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges to a non-alcohol-related offense, which could help preserve your CDL and minimize career damage. Even if the evidence against you is strong, your lawyer can argue for reduced penalties.

Has a drunk driving charge put your income at risk? Holding a CDL comes with greater responsibilities, and the consequences of DUI charges can be much more severe compared to those faced by non-commercial drivers. That said, being charged with DUI doesn’t mean your career is over. Talk to the legal team at King Law Group about your choices moving forward. Schedule a consultation today.

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