If you’re a commercial driver facing DUI charges, a conviction can put your job at risk and damage both your professional and personal reputation. Your livelihood is on the line, and choosing the right legal representation is critical.
A commercial DUI lawyer in West Covina can help.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we connect commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders with skilled lawyers who know how to handle these complex cases and fight for your future. With just one free call, we can match you with a qualified West Covina DUI lawyer who fits your needs.
Experienced Commercial DUI Lawyers in West Covina Will Simplify Your Case
Facing a commercial DUI charge can be overwhelming, but an experienced lawyer can make the process easier. A West Covina commercial DUI attorney understands the unique challenges CDL holders face and knows how to navigate the legal system to protect your job and future.
They will handle the complex paperwork, investigate the details of your arrest, and challenge any weak evidence against you. Your lawyer can also negotiate for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing to help you avoid losing your commercial driver’s license.
Commercial DUI Laws in California
Commercial DUI laws are more severe than those for regular drivers because commercial vehicles require extra caution on the road. Since these vehicles are often larger and heavier, accidents involving them can cause serious damage and injuries.
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, which is significantly lower than the 0.08% limit for other drivers. Even if you weren’t operating a commercial vehicle when arrested, you can still face commercial DUI charges simply because you hold a CDL.
CDL Holders Face Harsher Penalties
A commercial DUI conviction can have serious and lasting consequences that impact both your career and personal life. Because commercial drivers are held to higher safety standards, the laws and penalties for a DUI are much stricter than those for non-commercial drivers.
The consequences of a commercial DUI conviction are serious and may include:
- Up to six months behind bars for a first-time offense
- Fines reaching as high as $1,000
- Required DUI education programs, usually lasting three months for first-time offenders
- Probation lasting between three to five years.
Commercial drivers also face strict license suspension policies. A first DUI conviction results in a one-year suspension of a commercial driver’s license. A second DUI offense leads to a lifetime CDL disqualification, regardless of whether the violation happened in a personal or commercial vehicle.
Even a first offense can lead to significant setbacks. Losing the ability to drive commercially can put your job at risk and make it difficult to continue working in the industry.
Can a CDL Suspension Be Stopped?
Getting arrested for a DUI in California leads to an automatic CDL suspension by the DMV, even if your case hasn’t gone to court yet. However, you can challenge this suspension by requesting a DMV administrative hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
Your lawyer can advocate for you during this hearing, using evidence to dispute the suspension and making a case for why you should keep your CDL. Act fast to protect your ability to continue working as a commercial driver.
Alternatives to a Commercial DUI Conviction
In certain situations, a lawyer can work out a deal that lowers the penalties or leads to an alternative resolution that lessens the long-term effects of a DUI charge.
Possible options could include:
- Participation in DUI diversion programs (where applicable)
- Completing community service or serving house arrest instead of jail time
- Negotiating a plea bargain for a lesser charge, such as reckless driving
Since commercial DUI cases are held to stricter standards than regular DUI cases, consult a West Covina commercial DUI attorney who is familiar with potential alternatives that may apply to your case.
Effective Defense Strategies Against Commercial DUI Charges
Facing commercial DUI charges can be overwhelming, but you have legal options. A West Covina commercial DUI lawyer will assess your case and develop a strong defense strategy to challenge the charges against you.
Potential defense approaches include:
- Inaccurate BAC test results: Breathalyzers and other testing devices must be regularly calibrated and maintained. Faulty equipment can lead to unreliable results.
- Lack of legal justification: If the officer had no valid reason to stop or arrest you, the charges may be thrown out.
- Delayed absorption of alcohol: Since alcohol takes time to enter the bloodstream, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) may have been under the legal limit while driving but increased by the time of testing.
- Incorrect field sobriety testing: Officers must follow strict procedures when conducting field sobriety tests. Errors in administration could make the results unreliable.
- Prescription or legal substances: If your case involves legally prescribed medication, your lawyer may argue that it did not impair your ability to drive safely.
- Medical factors: Conditions like diabetes can interfere with BAC readings, leading to false-positive results.
Each case is unique, and a good attorney will carefully review all the facts and circumstances surrounding your situation. They will take into account things like the evidence, any potential mistakes made by the officer, and your personal history.
Based on this, they will create a defense strategy specifically designed to give you the best chance of a positive outcome. This personalized approach ensures that every angle is considered and your case is handled in the best possible way.
Connect With a West Covina Commercial DUI Lawyer
If you’re a commercial driver facing DUI charges in West Covina, act quickly. A conviction can result in the suspension of your CDL, hefty fines, and lasting effects on your career. A DUI charge doesn’t have to ruin your career.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we assist commercial drivers in finding the right legal support. We can connect you with a skilled West Covina commercial DUI lawyer who knows how to challenge DUI charges and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
