A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) isn’t just a piece of plastic — it’s your life. As a truck driver, bus operator, or heavy equipment hauler in Jacksonville, you know the weight of responsibility that comes with your job. But a single DUI charge can ruin everything you’ve worked for.
The fear of losing your CDL, your job, and your ability to provide for your family is overwhelming. We know the sleepless nights, the racing thoughts, and the uncertainty that follow an arrest.
At Malcolm Anthony, PA, our legal team has seen firsthand how a DUI in Jacksonville can derail a commercial driver’s life. Whether the incident happened in your personal car or on the job, the consequences for CDL holders are severe.
As your Jacksonville DUI defense lawyer, we’re here to answer your questions, calm your fears, and fight for your future. Let’s break down how a DUI affects your CDL in Florida and what you can do to protect your future when facing a DUI charge.
DUI Laws for CDL Holders in Florida
Florida’s DUI laws are tougher on CDL holders. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for regular drivers, but for commercial drivers, it’s a strict 0.04%. A couple of drinks can put you over this low limit.
These laws apply whether you’re behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle or not. A DUI in your personal car — off-duty, on a weekend — can still put your CDL at risk. Florida doesn’t give CDL holders a free pass, no matter what.
The stakes are high. A DUI conviction can result in disqualification of your CDL, even if you weren’t on the job. As your criminal defense lawyer, we know how important it is to act fast to protect your license after a DUI in Jacksonville.
CDL Disqualification Periods for DUI Offenses
A DUI conviction means harsh penalties for CDL holders. Florida Statute § 322.61 says:
- First DUI: 1-year Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) disqualification.
- Second DUI: Lifetime CDL disqualification.
- Refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test: 1-year disqualification for the first refusal, lifetime for the second.
- Transporting hazardous materials: 3-year disqualification for a first DUI offense.
These penalties can destroy your career. A year without your CDL means lost income and job insecurity. A lifetime ban? That’s a complete career overhaul. We’ve seen clients face these realities, and we’re here to help you avoid them after a DUI in Jacksonville.
DUI While Operating a Commercial Vehicle
A DUI while driving a commercial vehicle is the worst. The disqualification is immediate and mandatory. Florida law doesn’t give any wiggle room here.
More penalties add up if the DUI happened while you were:
- On the job.
- Transporting passengers.
- Hauling hazardous materials.
Employers fire drivers after a commercial vehicle DUI in Jacksonville. The combination of legal consequences and job loss can feel overwhelming. As your Jacksonville DUI lawyer, we fight to beat these charges and save your career.
Florida’s 10-Day Rule for DUI Charges
Time is running out after a DUI arrest. Florida’s 10-day rule is crucial for CDL holders. You have just 10 days from your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Miss the 10-day deadline and your license — CDL and standard driving privileges — will be automatically suspended. Your automatic license suspension can happen even before your criminal case is resolved. Don’t wait after a DUI in Jacksonville.
Our criminal defense team will guide you through this process, ensuring you meet deadlines and present a strong case at the hearing. Don’t let the clock run out on your driving privileges.
Long-Term Career Consequences of a DUI in Jacksonville
A DUI charge doesn’t just affect your license — it can change your entire career.
The fallout for CDL holders is huge:
- Loss of current job.
- Trouble getting future jobs in transportation or logistics.
- Sky high insurance premiums or denial of commercial coverage.
- Limited ability to operate certain vehicles even after reinstatement.
- Damaged professional reputation in a tight industry.
- Financial strain from fines, legal fees, and lost wages.
The long-term consequences of a conviction for a DUI in Jacksonville ripple through your life, affecting your career, family, and future. At Malcolm Anthony, PA, we’ve worked with drivers facing these issues and know how to fight for outcomes that minimize long-term damage.
Fighting to Keep Your CDL: Why You Should Hire an Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer
You don’t have to face a DUI in Jacksonville alone. As your Jacksonville DUI lawyer, we’ll explore every avenue to protect your CDL. Our experienced team will build a custom defense to challenge the charges and keep you on the road.
Challenging Breath or Blood Test Accuracy
Breathalyzers and blood tests aren’t perfect. Faulty equipment, improper calibration, or procedural errors can skew results. We’ll look at every detail — test administration, maintenance records, officer training — to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Filing for Administrative Review to Delay or Prevent Disqualification
Requesting a formal review hearing within 10 days can delay or prevent CDL disqualification. We’ll handle the paperwork, represent you at the hearing, and argue to keep your driving privileges.
Hiring an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Familiar with Commercial Driver Cases
Not all attorneys understand CDL cases. Our Malcolm Anthony, PA, team specializes in DUI defense for commercial drivers. We know the stakes and will fight to protect your livelihood.
Fight When Your Livelihood is on the Line: Call Us After a DUI in Jacksonville
A DUI in Jacksonville charge is a kick in the gut for any CDL holder. Losing your license, job, and financial stability is real. But you have choices. Acting fast, knowing your rights, and having a good criminal defense attorney can make all the difference.
Don’t let a DUI derail your career. As your Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer, Malcolm Anthony, P.A. can help you navigate this mess. Call us at (904) 285-4529 today if you’re a CDL holder navigating DUI charges. Your future is worth fighting for — let us help you stay on track.
