Commercial Vehicle DUI

Florida DUI penalties are tough. But when your livelihood depends on your ability to drive, the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be devastating. You need a skilled defense attorney on your side. The experienced DUI defense attorneys at Musca Law understand that for professional drivers, a DUI conviction impacts your freedom, your finances and your future.

Penalties of Commercial Vehicle DUI
The key distinction between DUI and commercial vehicle DUI is the legal blood- or breath-alcohol level. Florida law states that it is unlawful to drive a commercial motor vehicle with a blood- or breath-alcohol level of 0.04 or higher. Fla. Stat. § 322.61(3)(b)2. In contrast, for non-commercial drivers, under Florida law, it is unlawful to drive with a breath- or blood-alcohol level or 0.08 or higher.

If you are convicted of commercial motor vehicle DUI or if you refuse to submit to a breath- or blood-alcohol test, your commercial vehicle license will be suspended for one year. If you were previously convicted of DUI while operating a commercial motor vehicle, the stakes are even higher. A second conviction of commercial motor vehicle DUI will result in permanent disqualification of operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Additionally, a commercial motor vehicle driver is not eligible for a commercial hardship license (a license for business purposes) while his or her license is suspended.

In addition to a one-year license suspension, first-time DUI offenders face the following minimum and maximum penalties:

**First Offense DUI Penalties**
Jail	0 - 180 Days County Jail
Jail (Enhanced)	0 - 270 Days County Jail
Fine	$500.00 - $1,000.00
Fine (Enhanced)	$1,000.00 - $2,000.00
Monthly Reporting Probation	0 - 12 Months
Drivers License Suspension	6 Month Mandatory Suspension - Permanent Suspension

**Revocation**
Community Service	Mandatory 50 Hours
DUI Substance Abuse Course	Mandatory
Vehicle Immobilization	Mandatory - 10 Days
Engine Interlock Device	None - 12 Months
Engine Interlock Device (Enhanced)	Mandatory 6 Months - 12 Months Maximum

For a more complete explanation of Florida DUI penalties, please visit the DUI Penaltiessection on the Musca Law site.

Hire an Experienced Florida DUI Attorney
An experienced Jacksonville DUI lawyer will investigate your case and provide you with the best chance of reducing your charges or completely avoiding a conviction. For more information on commercial vehicle DUI cases in Florida, or if you were arrested for commercial vehicle DUI, please schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Musca Law criminal defense attorney. Contact Musca Law 24/7 by calling 1-800-MUSCA-LAW (1-800-687-2252).