Successful Dade City CDL DUI Lawyer
Commercial truck drivers play an integral role in today’s society, as we rely on them to transport goods across the country. However, driving long hours on a daily basis can be grueling and exhausting for many commercial drivers. Over time, stress can begin to build, causing truckers to seek other outlets to deal with this feeling, such as alcohol.
Commercial drivers are held to a higher level of expectation compared to Florida residents who possess a regular driver’s license. Truckers must pass more stringent examinations to obtain a commercial driver’s license and must adhere to stricter safety regulations as well. One such regulation pertains to the consumption of alcohol, as the legal limit of intoxication for commercial truckers is 0.04%, instead of the 0.08% limit for regular drivers. Additionally, due to these stricter protocols, commercial drivers will face harsher penalties beyond the regular criminal penalties that everyday drivers in Florida would face.
How Karatinos Law, PLLC, Supports Accused Commercial Drivers
At Karatinos Law, PLLC, we understand how the consequences of a drunk driving arrest can impact Florida residents who possess a commercial license. Between the legal consequences, criminal penalties and potential impact on employment, we will be there to offer tenacious advocacy to help our clients clear their names, protect their rights and limit the effect of the accusation on their daily lives.
Our founding attorney, Keeley Karatinos, brings her passion for the law and justice into every case she accepts and will fight until the very end to ensure her clients have the most vigorous defense possible behind them. Accused truckers in the Pasco County and Hernando County areas can expect to receive support from an experienced attorney who knows what is at stake and will do everything in her power to assemble a case that contests the available evidence and puts them on the path to justice.
What are the Consequences of a DUI for a CDL Driver?
Florida residents who hold a commercial driver’s license are held to a higher standard by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles than motorists with normal licenses. Due to this higher standard, CDL drivers can expect to face significantly harsher penalties after being convicted of a DUI.
Convicted commercial drivers will have their licenses suspended for one year and cannot apply for a hardship license during that time. If the commercial driver was transporting hazardous materials or objects during their DUI arrest, their CDL may be suspended for three years. Truck drivers will also be penalized by federal authorities, which could lead to a 60-day or lifetime suspension of their commercial driver’s license. Furthermore, the DUI conviction will permanently be on the driver’s commercial record, impact their employment status and potentially affect their future job opportunities.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration clearly do not take truck driver DUI allegations lightly, but the worry for CDL holders does not end there. Commercial drivers will also face other criminal penalties, such as potential jail time, fines and a suspension of their regular driver’s license. If a truck driver is convicted of a second drunk driving offense, they will not be given any grace or further opportunities as this situation warrants a lifetime ban of their commercial driver’s license.
Can I Keep My CDL After a DUI Conviction in Florida?
Fortunately, commercial drivers in Florida have opportunities to protect their licenses after a DUI accusation or conviction. After the yearlong CDL suspension has passed, the convicted truck driver can apply for reinstatement of their license.
However, the path to having a CDL reinstated is not straightforward and will require some added effort. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may require the trucker to complete a substance abuse treatment program, pay any outstanding fines and even retake the certification examinations for commercial drivers. After satisfying each of these obligations, commercial truckers will be able to file for reinstatement and regain their driving privileges.
How Can I Defend Against a CDL DUI Charge?
Commercial truck drivers who believe the allegations made against them are false should seek legal support to begin building a well-rounded defense. The first two options to combat a DUI accusation for truck drivers may be to challenge the results of the breathalyzer test or prove that they did not refuse to submit to the breathalyzer test if that allegation is made.
Commercial drivers have a 10-day period to contest the automatic license suspension they face and to request a court hearing. During the hearing, a judge will decide whether or not the accused trucker deserves an immediate suspension of their license.
Moreover, commercial truckers can contest their charges and prevent a long-term license suspension by battling in criminal court. In court, truckers and their legal team will have the opportunity to negotiate a plea bargain, which could lead to less serious consequences.
Offering Strong CDL License Defense to Florida Residents
After a DUI, commercial drivers in Florida can expect to potentially lose or have their CDL suspended, spend time in jail, be forced to pay fines and have their employment terminated. Each of these possible consequences can severely alter a driver’s life and financial stability. There are options available, however, and commercial drivers who seek honest guidance from an experienced lawyer can strengthen their case and limit the penalties they face. Contact our staff today at Karatinos Law, PLLC, by calling our office at 352-405-0537 or completing our online form.