Commercial Drivers DUI

DUI is a serious offense for commercial drivers that can cost you your job. If you are caught driving a commercial motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence, you may face severe consequences, including criminal penalties and license suspension or revocation. If you have been charged with a DUI as a commercial driver, it is important to work with a DUI attorney who has experience working with professional drivers. Phillips Carson Phillips has experience helping commercial drivers fight against DUI charges.

DUIs for CDL Drivers

A CDL driver can be charged with DUI if they operate a commercial motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Likewise, operating any non-commercial vehicle while intoxicated also falls under the same DUI laws as those that apply to CDL holders.
Under federal law, CDL holders are subject to harsher penalties than those imposed on non-commercial drivers for drunk driving offenses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that any CDL holder who has been convicted of a DUI is disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle.

Penalties for a Commercial Driver’s DUI

If convicted of a DUI charge, commercial drivers face both criminal penalties and civil sanctions. Criminal penalties can include jail time, fines, probation, community service, and mandatory attendance at an alcohol education program. A conviction for driving under the influence can also result in license suspension or revocation, depending on the severity of the offense.

In addition to criminal sanctions such as fines and jail time, there are also civil penalties associated with convictions for operating vehicles while intoxicated. These may include restitution payments to victims of vehicular accidents caused by impaired driving as well as increased insurance premiums due to higher insurance risk ratings associated with DUIs. Employers may choose not to hire individuals who have been convicted of DUIs due to their perceived untrustworthiness when it comes to driving legally and responsibly.

Contact a Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney

A DUI conviction can have an impact on a commercial driver’s career. If convicted, you may not be able to find an employer, insurance company, or contract, as this type of conviction can make you difficult to insure or hire. If you or a loved one has been charged with a commercial driving DUI, it’s not too late to get the legal representation and advice you need. Contact Phillips Carson Phillips by calling (912) 232-0081 or using our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.