Commercial Vehicle DUI in Tampa

Driving under the influence (DUI) in a commercial vehicle is something handled a bit differently than typical DUI by the law of Florida. Commercial vehicle DUI has a lower standard of impairment, as drivers of commercial vehicles must maintain blood alcohol levels of less than .04 to stay within the law’s standards. Likewise, there are traffic laws that call for zero alcohol content in the blood, but higher penalties kick in at .04. The stakes are high for drivers who have been charged with this type of offense, as it puts their careers in jeopardy. Musca Law is a Tampa DUI defense firm that can help drivers who have been put into this situation.

What Is A Commercial Vehicle?

The State of Florida defines a commercial vehicle in a few different ways. One with a weight higher than 26,000 pounds for registration purposes is said to be commercial, and any vehicle designed to carry more than 14 passengers is commercial, too. While in control of these vehicles, drivers must use the utmost care and the scrutiny is much greater. This arises from the need to control large vehicles, as the damage they create in accidents is usually much larger than a typical vehicle.

What Can Be Done?

In the State of Florida, the generally accepted “presumption of impairment” that accompanies breath and urine tests does not apply with commercial violations. This does not stop the state from bringing a case of DUI against the operator. It is important to enlist a Tampa DUI attorney to handle the case from the very beginning. Often, some of the most important evidence is presented in the early part of the case, and a savvy Tampa DUI lawyer can ensure that certain evidence stays out of the courtroom. The Tampa DUI lawyers at Musca Law are experienced and skilled at handling these issues.

Those who are convicted of commercial DUI not only face criminal sanctions, but they also face the possibility of losing their commercial license for good. This means that a lifelong ban on one’s profession is possible when these charges are proven. Tampa DUI attorneys work to make sure this does not happen, and they work to ensure that the best possible defenses are raised. With the stakes being so high for those accused of commercial DUI, it makes sense to contact an attorney who has the skill, determination and legal experience to get the job done.