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Fort Myers Criminal Attorney / Fort Myers Commercial DUI Attorney

Fort Myers Commercial DUI Defense Attorney

Operating a commercial vehicle comes with heightened responsibilities, and when a driver is accused of driving under the influence (DUI), the consequences can be even more severe than a typical DUI charge. At Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law, we understand how critical your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is to your livelihood. Our law firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of commercial drivers in Lee and Collier counties facing DUI charges. Contact our experienced Fort Myers commercial DUI defense lawyer for immediate assistance after an arrest.

What Is Commercial DUI?

A Commercial DUI refers to being charged with driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unlike standard DUI cases where a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% is the legal limit, commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard. In Florida, the legal BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, which is significantly lower. This reduced threshold reflects the greater responsibility commercial drivers have on the road and the potential risks involved in operating large, heavy vehicles.

Penalties for Commercial DUI in Florida

The penalties for a Commercial DUI conviction are severe and can have a lasting impact on both your career and personal life. If convicted of a Commercial DUI, drivers may face:

  • Immediate disqualification of CDL: A first offense results in a one-year disqualification of your CDL, with no possibility of a hardship license during that time.
  • Fines: Financial penalties can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars.
  • Jail time: Depending on the circumstances, you could face time in jail, particularly if you have prior DUI convictions or if the incident involved property damage or bodily harm.
  • Increased insurance premiums: A Commercial DUI conviction will likely lead to a substantial increase in your insurance rates, impacting your ability to be employed.
  • Permanent loss of CDL: A second Commercial DUI offense results in a lifetime disqualification from holding a commercial driver’s license, effectively ending your driving career.

Your commercial driver’s license is your key to employment, and losing it can devastate your livelihood. Even a temporary suspension of your CDL can make it difficult to find work, and most employers in the transportation industry will be hesitant to hire drivers with a DUI conviction on their record. Additionally, many companies carry insurance policies that will not cover drivers with a history of DUI, limiting your opportunities even further.

Defending Against Commercial DUI Charges

The attorneys at Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law are thoroughly familiar with Florida’s DUI laws and are experienced in defending drivers holding all types of licenses. We take an aggressive approach to every case, thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest to find potential defenses and challenges to the prosecution’s evidence. Some of the defenses we may explore include:

  • Improper traffic stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence collected after the stop may be inadmissible.
  • Faulty breathalyzer results: Breathalyzer tests are not always accurate. If the device was not properly calibrated or maintained, the results could be invalid.
  • Violation of rights: If your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest or detainment, this could be grounds for dismissing the charges.

Our goal is to minimize the impact of the charges on your life and career. Whether this means fighting for an outright dismissal, seeking reduced charges, or bargaining for alternative sentencing, our firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact a Fort Myers Commercial DUI Attorney Today

If you are facing Commercial DUI charges in Fort Myers, it is essential to act quickly. The experienced attorneys at Hollander & Hanuka are here to provide skilled representation and protect your rights. We understand how much is at stake, and we are committed to providing personalized legal strategies tailored to your situation.

Don’t let a DUI charge derail your career. Contact us today at 239-332-3300 for a confidential consultation, and let us start building your defense.