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Will I Lose My Commercial Driver’s License If I Get a DUI?

October 31, 2017
By The Wiseman Law Firm

If you are a truck driver who was arrested in the state of Florida for driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, you could face the permanent loss of your commercial driver’s license (CDL). The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is the agency that administers and suspends CDL licenses.

Your CDL could be suspended for many reasons, one of which is a DUI charge. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could have your license suspended for 1 year. Likewise, you will be ineligible for a hardship license, meaning you won’t be able to drive for any reason, even important errands.

If you were charged and convicted of a DUI while you were transporting hazardous materials, your CDL would be suspended for at least 3 years. If you are convicted of a DUI for a second offense, your CDL will be banned for life. Unlike other states, Florida doesn’t allow for reinstatement after 10 years under the federal law. A 2nd DUI in a lifetime disqualifies the driver from having a commercial driver’s license for life, whether or not they were driving with hazardous materials.

Without the use of your license, likely you will need to find alternative employment in another industry. This might be particularly difficult, as many commercial drivers dedicate their lives to operating commercial motor vehicles. It may be necessary to learn a different skill or enter a field at a lower pay rate because you lack sufficient experience in that area. Loss of a CDL can cause extreme hardship to drivers who are unprepared to have their licenses revoked.

Talk to our skilled Orlando criminal defense lawyer about your case as soon as possible. The Wiseman Law Firm has 20 years of legal experience to offer your case. Attorney Wiseman is also a former prosecutor, which means he has unique insight into the potential strategies the prosecution might take in your case. Let us defend your rights and your freedom, so you can increase your chances of keeping your driving job.

Contact us at 407-420-4647 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today.

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