Protecting Your CDL License And Driving Career
For commercial drivers, a conviction for DUI/DWI can result in losing one's commercial driver's license (CDL) for six months, a year or forever.
At the law firm of Cochran & Chhabra, LLC, we understand that your CDL is your livelihood. We represent over-the-road truckers and other professional drivers who are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our skilled DUI attorneys will exhaust every avenue to achieve a dismissal, acquittal, reduction or other outcome that salvages your current employment and driving career.
We defend commercial drivers charged with DUI or related offenses in Annapolis, Baltimore and throughout Maryland, including out-of-state drivers. Contact our Annapolis office about fighting your DUI charges and CDL suspension. You can reach us day or night for a free consultation.
DUI Penalties For Commercial Driver's License Holders
Semi truck drivers and delivery drivers are held to a higher standard regarding the use of controlled dangerous substances while driving. You can be charged with driving under the influence at a blood-alcohol level of just .04 (half the legal limit for other motorists). Commercial drivers can also be charged with DUI/DWI for having certain drugs in their system: illegal narcotics or stimulants and even prescription medications that cause impairment.
- A first offense of DUI if a CDL driver is on duty in a commercial vehicle is punishable by loss of one's CDL for up to one year.
- A first offense if a CDL driver is off duty in a personal vehicle is a 45-day license suspension, which applies to the CDL license and the ability to drive a truck during that period.
- Refusal of the breath test triggers automatic CDL license suspension for one year.
- Blood-alcohol content of .15 or greater also results in one-year suspension.
- A second conviction for DUI while on duty results in lifetime loss of CDL privileges.
Annapolis Defense Attorneys For Commercial Driver DUI Charges
There are two aspects to any DUI — the criminal charges and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) license suspension hearing. Our lawyers will represent you in both forums to protect your interests. We will explore all your options to retain your CDL driving privileges and mitigate the impact on your current and future employment. We also challenge the underlying basis for the DUI, to keep a conviction off your record and avoid the criminal and collateral consequences.
For a free consultation with one of our Annapolis DUI/DWI defense attorneys, call Cochran and Chhabra, LLC, toll free at 888.268.5515 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to advise clients facing the dire consequences of a truck driver DUI.
