Facing a commercial DUI arrest can be one of the most stressful experiences a professional driver can face. After being arrested, remain respectful toward the officer, but avoid answering questions about alcohol use until you consult a defense attorney.
For commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, the legal limit is lower than for other drivers, meaning even minimal alcohol levels can result in license suspension or criminal charges.
A Los Angeles commercial DUI lawyer can explain what to do after a commercial DUI arrest, protect your driver’s license, and help you prepare for the legal process ahead. What you say early on can affect your court appearance and potential criminal case outcomes.
What Is a Commercial DUI Arrest, and Why Is It Important to Have Legal Counsel?
A commercial DUI occurs when a driver operating a vehicle for work, such as a truck or bus, is accused of driving under the influence. These cases carry strict penalties, including CDL disqualification, probation, and increased insurance rates.
Possible Consequences for Commercial Drivers
A commercial DUI arrest can have severe effects beyond standard penalties. A conviction may cause CDL suspension, loss of employment, and even imprisonment. Insurance companies may also increase rates or cancel policies, limiting future driving opportunities.
Some of the potential outcomes for commercial drivers are:
- CDL suspension or disqualification, leading to loss of income
- Imprisonment or long-term probation
- Mandatory DUI school and installation of an ignition interlock device
- Higher insurance rates and possible cancellation of coverage
- Background check issues that impact employment prospects
Reinstating a commercial driver’s license often requires meeting strict conditions set by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
How a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Can Help
These defense attorneys prepare legal arguments for both the criminal case and the DMV Administrative Hearing, helping commercial drivers protect their CDL and reduce penalties. They also explain implied consent laws and the consequences of failing a chemical test or refusing a portable breath test.
An attorney can communicate with prosecutors, negotiate plea agreements, and ensure all court documents are properly filed, giving drivers a fair chance to maintain their livelihood and move forward with a clean record.
1. Remain Calm and Comply Safely, but Understand Your Right to Remain Silent
During a traffic stop, stay calm and cooperative. Keep your hands visible, provide requested documents, and avoid making sudden movements. Arguing with law enforcement or police officers may worsen the situation.
You have the right to remain silent under your Miranda rights. Politely decline to answer questions about alcohol or drug use until you speak with your lawyer. Anything you say can become part of the evidence used by the prosecutor in court.
If the arresting officer requests a field sobriety test, comply respectfully but remember your rights. Ask to contact your criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after the arrest.
2. Consult a Commercial DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles
Contact a commercial DUI lawyer immediately after your arrest. These defense attorneys can review police reports, analyze breathalyzer and blood alcohol concentration results, and build effective defense strategies.
A DUI lawyer understands how California’s Department of Motor Vehicles handles administrative license revocation cases for CDL drivers. They can represent you during court hearings, explain the legal process, and coordinate communication with the DMV and your employer.
They may also evaluate whether the breath test or chemical tests were properly calibrated or if the officer lacked probable cause for the traffic stop. Correcting procedural errors can influence the court’s decision and protect your livelihood.
3. Understand the DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing and CDL Disqualifications
After a commercial DUI arrest, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) begins an Administrative Per Se (APS) Hearing to determine if your driver’s license should be suspended.
For commercial drivers, a failed breathalyzer test or refusal may trigger automatic CDL disqualification. You usually have 10 days to request a hearing. Missing that deadline can make the license suspension immediate.
What You Can Do
- File a request for a DMV Administrative Hearing as soon as possible.
- Gather dashcam footage, witness statements, and calibration records.
- Discuss your case with your defense attorney.
Participating in DUI school, completing a victim impact panel, or starting rehabilitation programs can also demonstrate responsibility and help improve your case during court appearances.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Can Connect You With an Attorney Who Will Help Protect Your License and Your Rights
Los Angeles DUI attorneys focus on protecting both your CDL and your reputation. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with attorneys who understand how DMV administrative per se hearings, ignition interlock device requirements, and court orders interact under California DUI laws.
We connect people with lawyers who guide clients through the legal system, manage appointments, and ensure communication with the Department of Motor Vehicles if your record spans multiple states.
If you’re facing a commercial DUI in Los Angeles, act quickly. Let us connect you with a DUI lawyer today to protect your license, your livelihood, and your future before penalties escalate.
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