DUI Defense for Commercial Drivers
Posted on March 2, 2023 by John
In California, large commercial vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and trailers, can be driven by anyone with a Commercial Driver’s license (CDL). Only those who successfully pass a series of difficult tests and meet all technical qualification criteria, including age, physical, and medical restrictions, can obtain a CDL.
Obtaining a commercial driver’s license requires a lot of time and effort, as well as extensive knowledge and familiarity with the laws and guidelines that regulate the operation of commercial vehicles. One crucial example of these guidelines is the one related to Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Being aware of the state’s Driving Under the Influence (DUI) rules is crucial if you are thinking about getting a CDL in California, as they can have major repercussions for commercial drivers.
Know the Laws
Driving a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is prohibited by California State Law. This includes commercial drivers with a CDL license, who are subject to a lower Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in comparison with non-commercial drivers. The legal BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, while it is 0.08% for non-commercial drivers, meaning that a commercial driver can be charged with a CDL DUI violation if their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is found to be 0.04% or higher.
Commercial drivers in California are additionally regulated by “implied consent” legislation in addition to BAC limits. Therefore, if a commercial driver is stopped on suspicion of DUI, they must submit to a chemical test to determine their blood alcohol content (BAC). Commercial drivers can suffer heavy penalties, such as license suspension or full revocation, comparable to a DUI conviction if they refuse to submit to a said chemical test.
The precise facts of the case and the number of prior DUI convictions the driver has will determine the length and the severity of the applicable penalties, as well as the amount of each fine.
In some extreme cases, CDL drivers who are found guilty may even be ordered to face jail time and face higher insurance costs. Moreover, as part of their sentence, they might also need to finish alcohol education courses. All the above necessarily implies negative (and sometimes life-changing) implications for the careers of professionals involved in commercial driving and having a skilled attorney by your side will help you to achieve your best possible legal outcome.
The Legal Help You Need
No matter what you are being charged with, you will receive highly skilled assistance from our legal professional with over a decade of experience on both sides of a California courtroom. The Law Office of David Leicht will go the extra mile to solve your legal problems and handle your case with the attention it deserves. Don’t hesitate—to contact us at (760)-256-3104 or use our online form to set up a free consultation and put the power of an experienced DUI attorney on your side.
Serving Barstow, Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto, Baker, Needles, Lucerne Valley, Big Bear, San Bernardino, Mojave, Phelan, Wrightwood, and the surrounding California communities.
534 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311
