Unlike standard drivers, commercial drivers are held to much stricter standards. For example, the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for most drivers is .08%, but for CDL holders, it’s only .04%. Therefore, a single mistake behind the wheel can threaten your freedom and your livelihood. If you’re facing charges, the consequences can be never-ending. But a DUI attorney for commercial drivers may be able to help.
How to Save CDL After DUI: Consequences and Strategies
A DUI charge carries serious consequences that can go beyond what non-commercial drivers face. A commercial driver’s license is your career and your way to provide for your family, so losing it can disrupt everything. Here’s what might be up against:
- Immediate suspension
- Zero-tolerance enforcement
- Hardship licensing
- Permanent disqualification
In many states, including Nebraska, a DUI can result in an automatic one-year suspension of your CDL for a first offense. This is true even if the DUI occurred in your personal vehicle. Meanwhile, many states don’t let commercial drivers get a hardship or restricted CDL to keep working during this suspension.
Permanent CDL disqualification may happen after the second offense, so the margin of error is razor-thin, and the penalties can be brutal. Discuss your case with a DUI attorney for commercial drivers to determine your rights and develop a defense strategy.
Strategies for Saving Your CDL After a DUI
The exact approach to saving your CDL after DUI will depend on the circumstances of your case. However, common strategies used by DUI attorneys for commercial drivers include:
- Challenging the traffic stop or arrest
- Questioning the accuracy of BAC testing
- Negotiating a Reduced Charge
- Requesting an Administrative Hearing
- Pursuing Alternative Sentencing
For example, if law enforcement didn’t have a legitimate reason to pull you over or if procedures weren’t followed properly, your attorney may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed. In some cases, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal to avoid the devastating consequences of a DUI conviction on your CDL.
You typically have a short window to request a DMV hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your CDL, but a DUI attorney for commercial drivers will help handle this process and advocate for your driving privileges.
FACT: First-time DUI offenders may qualify for a diversion program or alcohol education classes to help reduce penalties or keep a conviction off the record.
Why Hiring a DUI Attorney for Commercial Drivers Is Crucial
Never assume there’s nothing that can be done, even if you think the evidence is stacked against you. A DUI attorney for commercial drivers has the experience and legal know-how to protect and advocate for your rights.
Timing is everything if you want to save your CDL after a DUI. In many states, you only have a few days to request a hearing before your license is automatically suspended. That means waiting too long could cost you the only shot at protecting your driving privileges.
The right DUI attorney for commercial drivers can fight for your case and your career. If you’re serious about protecting your license and getting back on the road, talk to a DUI attorney for commercial drivers as soon as possible.
Get Legal Help Today
Don’t let a mistake define your future. Collaborate with the right legal team to keep your CDL, job, and freedom intact. Contact the Dornan Law Team to learn more and schedule a confidential consultation.
