When you drive for a living, a DUI conviction can be devastating.
Commercial drivers facing DUI charges should be familiar with the consequences of a conviction. For drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are separate considerations that must be made in regards to your drivers’ licenses.
Consequences of a Commercial Vehicle DUI
When a CDL driver faces a DUI, the DMV will open up a case against the driver’s normal license and the driver’s CDL. If the driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) was 0.04 or more, even on the first offense, the driver will have the CDL revoked for a year. For someone whose livelihood is based on commercial driving, a license revocation can have dire ramifications. For the regular driver’s license to be revoked, your BAC has to be over 0.08.
If the truck was carrying hazardous materials at the time of your DUI, your license will be revoked for three years, even for a first offense. This kind of conviction could end a truck-driving career.
Any second CDL violation results in a lifetime loss of your CDL.
If you are facing the revocation of your CDL as a result of a DUI, you must contact a lawyer immediately. Swift action can help you get your charges reduced and help protect your career and livelihood.
DUI Matters – Denver Drunk Driving Lawyers The Impact of DUI Convictions on Commercial Drivers: Protecting Your CDL
When you rely on driving for a living, a DUI conviction can be more than just a legal issue; it can be a devastating blow to your livelihood. For commercial drivers holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the consequences of a DUI conviction are particularly severe and can have long-lasting repercussions. In this article, we will explore the unique challenges and considerations that CDL holders face when charged with a DUI, emphasizing the importance of seeking legal assistance from experts like Thomas & Ahnell, LLC.
The Consequences of a Commercial Vehicle DUI
When a CDL holder faces a DUI charge, it triggers a series of consequences that can impact both their regular driver’s license and their CDL. Unlike regular driver’s licenses, CDL holders are held to a stricter standard regarding blood-alcohol content (BAC). Even on a first offense, if a CDL holder’s BAC registers at 0.04 or more, their CDL will be revoked for one year. This is a critical distinction because, for non-commercial drivers, a BAC over 0.08 is typically required for a license revocation.
However, the severity doesn’t end there. Suppose a commercial vehicle was carrying hazardous materials during the DUI incident. In that case, the CDL holder’s license will be revoked for three years, even for a first offense. Such a conviction can effectively spell the end of a truck-driving career, causing financial strain and significant stress and uncertainty about future employment prospects.
Moreover, for CDL holders, a second violation of any kind results in a lifetime loss of their CDL. This means that a single mistake or lapse in judgment can permanently and irrevocably lose their livelihood.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Given the harsh consequences that commercial drivers face in the event of a DUI conviction, it is crucial to take swift action and seek legal representation. An experienced DUI attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case, explore potential defenses, and work to protect your CDL and your career.
Legal experts like Thomas & Ahnell, LLC specialize in alcohol and drug-related driving offenses in Colorado. Their in-depth knowledge of state laws and experience in representing CDL holders can be instrumental in achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Whether through negotiating reduced charges or pursuing alternative sentencing options, legal representation can make a significant difference in your future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a DUI conviction is a serious matter for anyone. Still, the stakes are exceptionally high for commercial drivers with a CDL. Protecting your CDL and your livelihood should be your top priority when facing such charges. By seeking legal assistance from professionals like Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, you can take proactive steps to mitigate the consequences and secure a better future for yourself and your career. Don’t delay; consult with a DUI attorney who understands CDL holders’ unique challenges and can provide you with the guidance and advocacy you need.
Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.