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Florida Commercial Driver’s License DUI Lawyer
When a person is charged with drunk driving, it can have far-reaching implications. The potential consequences include fines, jail time, damage to personal relationships and the loss of driving privileges. For someone with a Commercial Driver’s License, the potential consequences also include the loss of employment. If you drive for a living, the loss of a CDL is essentially the same as losing your job.
If you have a CDL and have been charged with drunk driving, a DUI defense lawyer may be the only person standing between you and unemployment. The loss of driving privileges for a truck driver or bus driver can also be the loss of a job.
At the law firm of Katz & Phillips, P.A., our CDL drunk driving defense attorneys focus specifically on DUIs. Unlike some law firms that represent drunk driving defendants on occasion, our Florida DUI lawyers focus specifically on DUI defense. Like any skill, one gets better with practice, and at our law firm we have the experience that can make a difference.
Florida Commercial Driver’s License DUI Defense Attorneys Skilled in Challenging BAC Testing Methods
In defending against DUI charges for those holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Florida, certain legal strategies prove particularly effective.
One key approach is challenging the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) testing methods. This can involve scrutinizing the accuracy of breathalyzer equipment, the conditions under which the test was administered, and the qualifications of the person who conducted the test. Inaccuracies in BAC testing can significantly impact the case, given the stringent 0.04% limit for CDL holders.
Another strategy is questioning the legality of the initial traffic stop. Defense attorneys may examine whether the law enforcement officer had a legitimate reason to make the stop. Without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, any evidence gathered during an illegal stop could be deemed inadmissible in court.
Additionally, disputing the officer’s observations is a common defense tactic. This can include contesting the officer’s assessment of signs of impairment or challenging the reliability of field sobriety tests, which can be subjective and influenced by various factors outside of intoxication.
These strategies, carefully executed, can be critical in defending CDL holders, as the stakes in such cases involve not only legal repercussions but also the potential loss of livelihood.
Florida DUI Laws and Commercial Driver’s License
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers is 0.08 percent. For those with a CDL, the limit is set lower by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA has set the following alcohol limits for those with a Commercial Driver’s License:
- Driving while using alcohol is prohibited
- Driving with a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher is prohibited
- Driving within four hours of using alcohol is prohibited
- Refusing to submit to an alcohol test (for drivers required to be tested) is prohibited
Violation of any of these rules can result in the loss of a CDL, either temporarily or permanently. At Katz & Phillips, P.A., several of our CDL DUI defense lawyers are former criminal prosecutors. We believe this makes us better defense lawyers. Attorney David Katz is a former Assistant State Attorney and DUI/Intoxilyzer Specialist. Attorney James Phillips is also a former Assistant State Attorney who has successfully resolved hundreds of DUI cases. Attorney Elliott Wilcox is a former prosecutor who currently dedicates 100 percent of his courtroom practice to DUI defense. Attorney David Faulkner is also a former Assistant State Attorney and is a former Special Agent with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
Decades of Trusted Service. Hundreds of Grateful Voices.
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“David Katz sets the standard by which all other defense attorney's must measure. He not only knows his craft and has the experience to back it up, he relishes forcing his opponents to follow the law towards the best outcome for his clients.”- Karate K.
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“Christine Vazquez took on our case with a 24hr commitment. She put everything on the line to hold the judicial system accountable.”- Phil W.
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“I can’t thank attorneys Christine Vazquez and David Katz enough for the incredible job they did on my DUI case.”- Gabriel H.
Why Hire Katz & Phillips?
Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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Financing Available
The last thing you need during a criminal case is financial stress. Our firm offers financing with no credit check required.
Meet Your Dedicated Defense Team
Led by two of Florida's Board-Certified* DUI Experts, Our attorneys bring together more than 50 years of success, defending clients across Florida against criminal and DUI charges.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
