Commercial VehicleDUI Attorney Tampa

Your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a valuable asset, and having it suspended or revoked upon a DUI conviction in Florida can have serious consequences for your career. Commercial vehicle DUI defense can be challenging because of the complex factors involved.

It takes a skilled commercial vehicle DUI attorney to navigate the state laws and use their unique interpretation to your advantage to have your charges reduced or dropped. Our experienced truck, bus, and other commercial vehicle DUI defense lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett have helped numerous CMV drivers in Florida successfully defend themselves in these cases.

Consequences of a Florida Commercial Vehicle DUI Conviction

There are several penalties for receiving a DUI when driving a commercial vehicle:

Disqualification of your CDL for one year
If you were transporting hazardous substances, your CDL would be disqualified for three years

Other criminal charges that you may face include the following:

Up to six months of jail time
Community service
Fine up to $1,000
Probation
Permanent criminal record
Need to complete an alcohol evaluation program and treatment

Notice of CDL Disqualification in Florida

After someone gets arrested for a DUI-related crime, the CDL holder will be notified regarding the following:

Their disqualification
The driver’s BAC of 0.08% or higher
Their refusal to submit to a blood, urine, or breath test under Florida Statute Section 322.64

The notification will explain whether the CDL holder can obtain a driver’s permit or if the license is suspended.

This notice is usually a temporary driver’s license unless the CDL is ineligible. It’s rational for you to know that the temporary driver's permit does not authorize you to drive a commercial vehicle or truck.

You can request the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to review the driving privilege disqualification within ten days of the issue of notice. Complete form number HSMV 79005 and send a copy to the DHSMV hearing officer and the law enforcement officer's agency.

CDL with a DUI Record in Florida

You can have your commercial driver’s license despite having a DUI record. However, it can be challenging to find someone that employs you since applicants are required to disclose any prior DUI convictions. You need to work with a qualified DUI criminal defense attorney to have the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Most commercial companies don’t prefer hiring a driver with a prior conviction of impaired or reckless driving. Nevertheless, the law allows drivers with a DUI to obtain a CDL. You should be able to find gainful employment if the DUI conviction is a few years old. If you are a commercial driver arrested on DUI charges, you should immediately speak to a strategy-driven criminal attorney. Our attorneys will help you avoid getting a DUI on your record.

Our Capable and Resourceful Commercial Vehicle DUI Lawyers are Ready to Fight for You

If you are arrested on truck or bus DUI charges, the tenacious Florida CMV defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett will fight to protect your rights. Our assertive commercial vehicle DUI attorneys will examine the prosecution’s evidence and show how it fails to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Our lawyers encourage you to act immediately after your arrest to preserve all the evidence in your defense and prepare a solid legal strategy. To schedule your free consultation with our legal team, call us at (727) 306-0273 or fill out our online contact form.

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