A DUI can put your entire livelihood at risk if you rely on driving for work. One conviction could cost you your job, your commercial license, and your income. You don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A commercial DUI lawyer in Carson knows the rules that apply specifically to CDL drivers and can take steps to defend your license.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer will connect you with someone experienced in commercial DUI cases. We’ve helped thousands of drivers facing DUI charges in California. Trust us to find you the right Carson DUI lawyer. Call us today.
Understanding California’s DUI Laws for CDL Drivers
Commercial drivers carry more responsibility than everyday motorists. They operate large vehicles and often haul valuable or hazardous cargo. Because these vehicles are heavier and more dangerous in a collision, the law expects commercial drivers to use greater care on the road.
This higher standard is built into California’s DUI rules. A commercial driver cannot legally drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher. That limit is half of what applies to most private drivers.
If a commercial driver is over that limit, they can face criminal charges and lose their commercial driver’s license (CDL). The penalties for a commercial DUI are also tougher than those a regular driver would face for the same offense.
How Carson Commercial DUI Attorneys Will Protect Your Rights
If you’ve been charged with a commercial DUI in Carson, an experienced attorney can step in to protect your livelihood. They will examine the police report, the stop, the testing procedures, and every other part of the case to find weaknesses. With the right strategy, you could lessen the penalties, keep your CDL, or even get the charges dropped.
Here are some defenses a Carson commercial DUI lawyer may use:
- Faulty BAC testing: Breathalyzers and blood tests can produce bad results if the devices are not maintained or calibrated correctly.
- Illegal traffic stop: If the officer had no legal reason to pull you over or make an arrest, the case could be thrown out.
- Rising blood alcohol: Your BAC may have been under the limit while driving, but increased before the test was given.
- Errors in field sobriety tests: Incorrect instructions or improper administration can make the results unreliable.
- Prescription medications: Lawful medications that don’t affect your driving ability may help support your defense.
- Health issues: Conditions such as diabetes can lead to false positives on chemical tests.
Every DUI case is different. A commercial DUI lawyer in Carson will focus on the specific facts of your situation. They will review the officer’s conduct, testing procedures, medical issues, and any other relevant details.
Consequences of a Commercial DUI
A commercial DUI in California comes with harsh consequences. Even a first conviction can bring a one–year suspension of your CDL, fines, mandatory DUI classes, and possible time in jail. A second conviction triggers a permanent loss of your commercial driving privileges.
These penalties apply whether you were driving a work vehicle or your own car. There is no restricted or “work-only” CDL that allows you to keep driving while suspended. For many drivers, a single conviction can end their career. Speak with a commercial DUI attorney in Carson right away.
How a DUI Can Impact Your CDL
A DUI can affect your commercial driver’s license in many ways. One conviction can lead to a one-year CDL suspension, even if the offense occurred in your personal vehicle. A second conviction can result in a permanent loss of your commercial driving privileges.
Unlike standard licenses, there is no restricted CDL that allows you to keep working while suspended. To regain your license after a suspension, you must meet strict state requirements.
Protecting Your CDL After a DUI Arrest
In California, a DUI arrest can trigger an automatic process to suspend your commercial driver’s license, even before your case goes to court. The key to keeping your CDL is acting quickly.
You have just 10 days from the arrest to request a hearing with the DMV. At this hearing, a lawyer can review the evidence, challenge the stop or arrest, and argue that your license should not be suspended.
Could a DUI Cost You Your Driving Job?
Whether you keep your job after a DUI depends on your employer, but the outlook is often grim. Many companies won’t retain a commercial driver with a DUI, even for a first offense. Insurance rules and legal requirements may force some employers to remove drivers with violations.
Even a short suspension can prevent you from working, and once a DUI appears on your record, it can make finding future driving jobs very difficult. Many companies won’t take the risk of hiring someone with a DUI history.
Start Building Your Defense Now
Commercial drivers in California are expected to follow stricter safety rules than regular motorists. If you’re accused of DUI, your livelihood can be taken away. Ignoring the charges or hoping they go away can cost you your career.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with a commercial DUI attorney in Carson who knows how to handle these cases. With the right legal support, you can challenge fines, avoid jail time, and protect your CDL from suspension or revocation.
Don’t wait for the situation to get worse. Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today and get a criminal defense attorney who will stand up for you and your future.
Fact Checked
