DUIs and Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Mesa

To obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a person must pass written and driver’s tests and an annual medical exam. They also must have a clean driving record. Getting charged with DUI can jeopardize your CDL and threaten your livelihood.

Anyone who drives a commercial vehicle or vehicle over a certain weight needs a commercial driver’s license. If you drive a tractor-trailer, school bus, hauler, or another large commercial vehicle, you must be proactive in protecting your driving record and preserving your employment. Talk to a lawyer who understands DUIs and commercial driver’s licenses in Mesa. Our relentless DUI attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group are here to fight for you and your way of life.

The Impact of a DUI on a Commercial License

A DUI charge can severely impact a person’s license and ability to continue driving. Although this is true for all drivers, CDL holders stand the most to lose. Their commercial licenses could be suspended or revoked due to a DUI arrest or conviction, preventing them from doing their jobs.

Some employers may fire a commercial driver just based on an arrest for DUI. In other cases, they may place the employee on non-driving duties until the case is adjudicated. If the driver is acquitted, the employer may reinstate their original driving duties. If they are convicted, their employer will likely fire them. As such, commercial drivers must fight back against DUI charges with a skilled Mesa attorney.

DUI Standards for Commercially Licensed Drivers in Mesa

The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for commercial drivers to be charged with DUI is lower than for regular drivers. The BAC maximum for non-commercial drivers is 0.08 and 0.04 for commercial drivers. This is a much lower standard for the court to revoke a person’s CDL license.

A commercial driver could have their license suspended or revoked by the Motor Vehicle Division even after being charged, let alone convicted of DUI. There is no restricted CDL license available for first-time DUI defendants.

Defending a CDL Holder in a DUI Case

The courts do not treat DUI cases differently based on a person’s employment. However, a lawyer must seek specific remedies in a DUI case involving a commercial driver to protect their employment opportunities. If a defendant’s source of income depends on their ability to drive, their Mesa attorney must work to prevent a guilty plea or DUI conviction. This allows the driver to keep their license and continue their livelihood.

Once a CDL is revoked, it is difficult to get back and may even require the conviction to be set aside. A second or subsequent DUI offense will lead to the revocation of the person’s standard driver’s license for at least a year, in addition to losing their CDL.

Call a Mesa DUI Attorney to Protect Your Commercial Driver’s License

If you drive for a living and are accused of DUI, you must take steps to preserve your rights and occupation. Consult a knowledgeable attorney at our firm about DUIs and commercial driver’s licenses in Mesa. We can discuss your situation, determine your goals, and fight for a positive resolution to your case.

At Grand Canyon Law Group, we know how to defeat DUI charges and mitigate the impact on your life. Call us today to get the steadfast representation you need.