A DUI for a commercial driver is more serious than a DUI for regular drivers. This is because they’re held to a much higher standard. As such, the consequences can be even greater, which is why legal representation is needed to support your case.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we’ve been helping people in your situation for nearly two decades. Our team can put you in touch with a La Habra commercial DUI lawyer who knows how to handle the high stakes that come with this type of offense.
They’ll explain more about the administrative process and legal proceedings that follow DUI allegations, helping you understand what your options are. With the help of a La Habra DUI lawyer, your case will get the attention it needs and a focused defense strategy.
How a Commercial DUI Lawyer Serving La Habra Can Help Your Case
Facing DUI charges is never easy. If you’re a commercial driver, a guilty verdict could have a huge impact on your livelihood, causing you to lose your license and maybe even your job. A La Habra commercial DUI attorney can assess your case and look for ways to potentially reduce the charges, or in some scenarios, have them thrown out.
Evidence Gathering
A commercial DUI attorney will collect all the evidence related to your case. They’ll review every piece of proof, including any witness statements, police reports, bodycam footage, and chemical tests. This allows them to look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that could help reduce the charges against you.
Analyzing Test Results
As part of an evidence review, a lawyer will also analyze breathalyzer results and blood test results. These tests aren’t always foolproof. Certain medical conditions, inaccurate test procedures, your diet, and the presence of alcohol in products like mouthwash can all impact the results.
Strong Negotiation Tactics
With all the above information at hand, an experienced DUI attorney can put together a strong defense for your case. They’ll then enter into negotiations with the prosecution.
Using the facts available, your legal team will challenge allegations and highlight any issues in the way your case has been handled. They will also look to secure the best possible outcome, aiming to lessen the impact on your commercial driving privileges.
Court Representation
If negotiations fail and your case goes to court, a commercial DUI lawyer will also represent you at every court appearance and DMV hearing. Having a professional who is familiar with the legal process tell your side of the story is always more impactful than attempting to handle everything on your own.
What California Law Says About Commercial DUIs
Under the California Vehicle Code § 23152(d), it is illegal for anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% to drive a commercial vehicle. This is in contrast to regular drivers who are usually charged with a DUI when their BAC reaches 0.08%.
The limit for commercial drivers is much lower because of the type of vehicle they drive. Larger forms of transportation, such as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and buses, weigh more and are harder to maneuver. They may also carry hazardous materials. As such, there’s an increased risk if a collision were to happen.
Because of this, commercial drivers have a higher duty of care, and laws around impaired driving are much stricter, leading to more substantial consequences.
Penalties for a Commercial DUI in La Habra
The penalties for a commercial DUI will depend on whether you have prior DUI convictions and the type of vehicle you were driving. That said, here are some of the repercussions you could face if found guilty:
- CDL disqualification: Having your commercial driver’s license suspended prevents you from working. This can last for up to one year for first offenses and potentially longer for multiple convictions or if you were transporting hazardous materials. Here are some things you can do to protect your CDL after a DUI arrest.
- Personal driver’s license suspension: You may also be suspended for driving a non-commercial vehicle.
- Fines: Financial penalties can cost between $390 and $1,000 for commercial DUIs. That’s on top of any additional court fees you may have to pay.
- Probation: Instead of jail time, the court could sentence you to three to five years of probation, where you must observe certain conditions.
- Mandatory educational programs: You may have to attend court-approved classes on the risks of impaired driving. This usually forms part of your probation.
- Jail time: Depending on prior convictions and aggravating factors, you could be sentenced to county jail for a few days, months, or up to a year.
It’s unlikely that you’ll face every penalty listed, especially for a first offense. But having the support of a commercial DUI lawyer serving La Habra can help you fight every single one, if needed.
How a Commercial DUI Impacts Employment
Because you may be stripped of your CDL, being arrested for a commercial DUI can also have a lasting effect on your employment.
Having your CDL and personal license suspended means you won’t be able to drive until they’re both reinstated. This directly impacts your ability to continue working as a professional driver. It can also make career advancement more difficult.
New employers will also review your driving record and criminal record prior to hiring. If you’re convicted of a commercial DUI, it could reduce your chances of securing future work.
Find a Commercial DUI Attorney with Help from Los Angeles DUI Lawyer
To protect your rights and secure a more successful outcome for your case, you need a La Habra commercial DUI lawyer. They’ll assess the evidence, question any errors in your arrest, challenge the prosecution, and do what they can to reduce the charges against you.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with the most professional and skilled legal representation for your case.
Learn how to choose the best DUI lawyer from our dedicated team. Alternatively, you can book a free consultation to discuss your options in further detail.
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