A DUI Can Jeopardize Your CDL

 Posted on October 28, 2016 in Driving Under the Influence

Being convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol is life-altering under any circumstances. The offense can have a substantial impact on your driving privileges and can also negatively affect sentencing for future non-related crimes. As if these penalties were not prerogative enough to dispute any allegation of DUI, if you are a CDL license holder, your career may be put jeopardy.

Different Laws to Follow

The career of a commercial driver license (CDL) holder revolves around the ability to safely operate a vehicle. In most situations, the trucks they are responsible for maneuvering are many times larger than the average car on the road. If they were to collide, significant, potentially catastrophic injuries and even death are possible. For these reasons, the standards set for CDL drivers to uphold are higher. Regulations pertaining to operating a commercial vehicle are as follows:

• Blood Alcohol Content limit of 0.04% while driving the commercial vehicle,
• BAC of 0.08% limit while driving any other car,
• Disqualification for the CDL for one year upon refusal to take the BAC test, and
• Potential lifetime ban on CDL for two or more offenses.

The Effects on Your Career

You put in a remarkable effort to obtain your commercial license, and it would be a shame to let it go to waste. Your current career and the livelihood of your family depend on that license. Therefore, accepting a conviction without any dispute should not be an option. The consequences of having a DUI on your record are as follows:

• Potential jail time,
• Fines of up to $1,000.00 for the first offense,
• Suspension for up to a year,
• Loss of your job until the reinstatement of your license,
• Ten year washout period that affects future punishments, and
• A permanent mark on your record which potentially may make it difficult to find future employment.

If you possess a CDL and have been accused of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you likely are interested in your options. Fortunately, many various defensive strategies may pertain to you, depending on your circumstances. The charges will not simply disappear, no matter how much you ignore them. Therefore, it is in your best interest to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible so we can start building your defense. If you are interested in discussing your options with a Stamford, CT DUI defense attorney, contact the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner at 203-348-5846 to schedule your risk-free initial consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/rpt/2012-R-0279.htm

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license

http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=813&q=309844