If you are a commercial driver, there is a significant chance that your career hinges on your ability to drive. When a legal complication poses a threat to that ability, it is a direct threat against earning a living and supporting your family. When a commercial driver faces a DUI charge in Florida, there is much at stake.
In addition to the fines and penalties that normally come with a drunk driving conviction, you may also lose your commercial license. Without a valid license, you may lose your job. It is imperative to confront these charges appropriately, which is something that you do not have to do alone.
What you need to know about your DUI
If you are a commercial driver in Florida, it is possible that you could face DUI charges if caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 percent or higher. This is less than the standard .08 percent for regular drivers, but commercial drivers must adhere to a higher standard.
Not only can you face arrest for a BAC of .04 percent, law enforcement may arrest a commercial driver for refusing to submit to a sobriety test or driving while under the influence of or in possession of any controlled substance. The repercussions for commercial drivers faced with DUI are as follows:
- A first offense for drunk driving or driving under the influence of a controlled substance could result in being disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for a period of at least one year.
- A second or subsequent offense will result in a permanent loss of commercial driving privileges.
While a person with a non-commercial license could be eligible for a hardship license for work-related reasons, a commercial driver will not be eligible for this option.
Fighting back against a DUI
As a commercial driver, you know how important it is to protect your ability and right to drive. Your career is on the line, but you have the option to push back against the charges against you and pursue the best possible outcome to your situation.
You have the right to fight the charges against you, challenge the prosecution’s case and bring evidence that supports your defense. A case evaluation could reveal the optimal approach for your defense strategy, and with help, you may be able to avoid a conviction or mitigate some of the penalties that are currently threatening your way of life.