What are the Consequences of a DUI for a Commercial Driver in California?

When a person wants to drive a commercial vehicle, such as a bus or tractor-trailer, they must have a certain license to do so. This is known as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This specific license is required so that the drivers understand how to safely operate these massive vehicles. One of the rules that must be followed on the road, just like all other drivers, is not operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so can endanger all individuals on the road and result in a DUI. To learn more, continue reading and contact an experienced Tehama County DUI lawyer. Here are some of the questions you may have about CDL DUIs and how our legal team can help if you’ve been charged with one:

What are the consequences of a DUI for a commercial driver?

If a CDL driver is operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04%, they can be charged with a DUI. This holds true as well if they refuse to provide a breath sample or are under the influence of drugs. The consequences of these actions can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Penalties can include:

• A CDL suspension of one year for first-time offenders; second-time offenders may be prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle ever again
• A potential suspension of the commercial driver’s standard driver’s license
• Anywhere between six months and one year of incarceration, depending on whether this is a first or second offense
• Mandatory participation in an alcohol education program
• High fines

What are some potential defenses against DUI charges in California?

When facing DUI charges in the state of California, it is crucial to hire an experienced and aggressive attorney for assistance with your case. This is because there are various defenses that may be available for the case. For example, there are some cases in which the conditions surrounding the stop and the arrest may be illegal and can, therefore, invalidate the evidence found from it.

Ultimately, the defense your lawyer uses will depend on the circumstances of your charges and arrest. Our firm has decades of experience representing individuals facing commercial DUI charges here in California, and we are prepared to put that experience to work for you. All you need to do is pick up the phone and give us a call or contact us online today.