Commercial Drivers' License DUI Lawyer
Do you drive a commercial vehicle in Tampa?
If you have been arrested for
DUI, and you operate commercial motor vehicles as part of your job, your livelihood
and your career may be in jeopardy. This charge comes with its own troubles,
and when you face license suspension, losing your CDL could cost you your
job. However, remember that an arrest and a conviction are completely
different. With an experienced and dedicated DUI defense attorney in Tampa
in your corner, you may reduce the potential damage and even get your
charges dismissed.
At Parks & Braxton, PA, our firm has
managed thousands of DUI cases with success. As former prosecutors, our team has a distinct advantage with knowledge
of the law from both sides of the courtroom. With
50+ years of collective experience, the DUI lawyers at Parks & Braxton, PA may help you get informed
about your legal options and pursue an effective course of legal action
toward a positive resolution in your case.
DUI Law is More Strict with Commercial Driver's Licenses
In every state, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. While operating commercial motor
vehicles (CMV), the maximum concentration level is even lower. The Florida
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) does not allow
individuals to drive a commercial vehicle with a BAC of .04% or higher.
Questions regarding the law in your situation?
Contact us today!
The Consequences of a CDL DUI Conviction
If you are convicted of DUI while operating a commercial vehicle, your
license will be suspended for a period of at least one year. Whether you
were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in possession of a controlled
substance, the length of the suspension is usually the same. However,
if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time of the arrest,
your license will be suspended for a minimum of three years upon conviction.
You may not operate a commercial vehicle or obtain a hardship license while your license is suspended. This means that unlike a DUI in a passenger
vehicle, you may not obtain limited driving privileges for work during
this period. This is why it is important to contest the charges against
you—the CDL DUI conviction may cost you your career and your ability
to earn a living! Protect your rights with a seasoned DUI defense attorney
in your corner.
Refusing the BAC Test
No matter the situation,
you always have the right to refuse to take a BAC test. Because of the law of implied consent, refusing to take a BAC test may
result in an automatic license suspension. However, if you refuse to take
a BAC test in relation to a CDL DUI, you may still be eligible to apply
for a hardship license even after a conviction. Discuss the circumstances
of your arrest with our Tampa DUI lawyer and explore your legal options.
Contesting the License Suspension
If you fail or refuse a BAC test, you may request a hearing with the FLHSMV
within 10 days of the arrest to contest the license suspension. Keep in
mind that this hearing does not affect the DUI conviction—it only
relates to your automatic license suspension following the arrest. However,
since license suspension can have a significant effect on your current
employment and future opportunities, it is important to consider taking
all available action to protect your driving privileges. Our Tampa DUI
attorneys are not only prepared to represent our clients in court against
DUI charges—they are also prepared to protect our clients' best
interests in a CDL suspension hearing or appeal.
We are available 24/7, weekends and holidays.
Schedule a free case evaluation today!