If you drive for a living and are facing DUI charges, your career and reputation could be at stake. A conviction can cost you your job and affect your future in serious ways. That’s why having the right commercial DUI lawyer in Fullerton matters.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have been helping commercial drivers find experienced attorneys who understand how to fight CDL-related DUI cases for nearly two decades. Call us for a free consultation, and we’ll connect you with a Fullerton DUI lawyer who knows how to protect your license and your livelihood.
Work With Experienced Commercial DUI Attorneys in Fullerton
A commercial DUI charge can feel like a lot to deal with, but the right lawyer will guide you through it. A Fullerton commercial DUI attorney knows how high the stakes are for CDL drivers and understands how to defend your license and your future.
They’ll take care of the legal paperwork, look closely at what happened during your arrest, and push back on any weak or flawed evidence. Your lawyer may also be able to work out a deal for lighter penalties or alternative sentencing to help you keep your commercial driver’s license.
Understanding California’s Commercial DUI Laws
California has stricter DUI laws for commercial drivers because they operate larger, more dangerous vehicles that can cause serious harm in a crash.
The legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers is just 0.04%, which is half the limit for regular drivers. And you don’t need to be driving a commercial vehicle at the time of your arrest to face commercial DUI charges. Just having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is enough for the stricter rules to apply.
CDL Drivers Face Tougher Consequences
Getting a DUI as a commercial driver can seriously affect your job and personal life. Because of the higher safety expectations, the penalties are much more severe than those for regular drivers.
If you’re convicted of a commercial DUI, you could face:
- Up to six months in jail for a first offense
- Fines up to $1,000
- Mandatory DUI classes, usually about three months long
- Probation that can last three to five years
Commercial license holders also deal with strict suspension rules. One DUI conviction means your CDL is suspended for a full year. A second offense (no matter if it happens in your personal or work vehicle) can result in a lifetime ban from holding a commercial license.
Even one DUI can derail your career. Without a valid CDL, it’s hard to keep your job or stay in the industry.
Can You Stop a CDL Suspension?
In California, a DUI arrest triggers an automatic suspension of your commercial driver’s license by the DMV even before your court case begins. But you do have a chance to fight it. Time is critical. Acting quickly gives you the best shot at keeping your license and staying on the job.
You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest to challenge the suspension. At this hearing, your lawyer can present evidence and argue why you should be allowed to keep your CDL.
Other Options Besides a Commercial DUI Conviction
In some cases, a skilled lawyer can help reduce the impact of a commercial DUI by negotiating a different outcome. This might mean lighter penalties or an alternative way to resolve the case.
Possible alternatives include:
- Enrolling in a DUI diversion program (if available)
- Doing community service or serving house arrest instead of going to jail
- Pleading to a lesser charge, like reckless driving
Because the rules for commercial DUI cases are tougher, work with a Fullerton commercial DUI attorney who knows the possible alternatives and how to fight for the best outcome in your situation.
Strong Legal Defenses for Commercial DUI Charges
Being charged with a commercial DUI can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to fight back. A Fullerton commercial DUI lawyer will review your case and build a defense strategy based on the details of your arrest.
Some possible defenses include:
- Faulty BAC results: Breath and blood testing equipment must be properly maintained. If it wasn’t, your BAC reading might not be accurate.
- No valid reason for the stop: If the officer pulled you over or arrested you without legal cause, the charges could be dismissed.
- Rising BAC levels: Alcohol takes time to absorb. Your BAC may have been legal while driving and only went up later during testing.
- Errors in field sobriety tests: These tests must be done in a certain way. If the officer made mistakes, the results may not be valid.
- Prescription medication: If you were taking legal medication that didn’t impair your driving, this may be used as part of your defense.
- Medical conditions: Health issues like diabetes can affect test results and lead to false positives.
Every case is different. A skilled attorney will go over the evidence, spot any errors or weaknesses in how your arrest was handled, and use your background to build a defense tailored to your situation.
Talk to a Fullerton Commercial DUI Lawyer Today
If you’re a commercial driver charged with DUI in Fullerton, time is critical. A conviction could lead to you losing your CDL, paying steep fines, and suffering serious damage to your career. But it doesn’t have to end that way.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we help commercial drivers get the legal support they need. We’ll connect you with an experienced DUI attorney in Fullerton who knows how to fight these charges and protect your future.
