Chicago DUI Defense for CDL Drivers

 Posted on August 18, 2018 in Traffic Law

If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and face DUI accusations, you likely have many questions about how the charges may impact both your personal and your family life. As a professional driver, you are held to a higher standard than the typical everyday driver. DUI has severe consequences for all drivers, but for a CDL holder, you risk losing your license for a year or more, depending on the circumstances. As you probably know, if you do not have a license, you do not have a job with your CDL. It is essential to retain the services of an experienced DUI attorney to protect your way of life and your future.

In Your Personal Vehicle

While you are not “on the clock” or working, you are welcome to relax and enjoy an alcoholic beverage, if you so choose. However, be aware that if your blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit of 0.08% and you decide to drive, you put your professional driving career on the line, even if you are in your personal vehicle. You face potential CDL disqualification for one year.

BAC Is under 0.08%

If like many truckers, you live in your truck more than you live at home, you may choose to relax with an alcoholic beverage with dinner. Since you are driving your professional vehicle, you must maintain a higher level of driving excellence. Legally, your BAC cannot exceed 0.04%. Theoretically, one beer for a person weighing approximately 180 pounds will keep a driver under a safe BAC level; however that cannot be certain. Many factors influence BAC levels, including:

• Weight;
• Age;
• Sex;
• Food intake;
• Beverage intake;
• Medication; and
• Stress levels.

Breathalyzer Refusal

If you are a CDL holder, you agree to cooperate with a chemical or breath sobriety test. Regardless of if you are driving your personal or your professional vehicle, refusal of a sobriety test typically means the loss of your CDL for a year. However, depending on your situation, this result may be the lesser of all of the possible punishments. Before determining if you should consent or refuse, you should consult with an experienced DUI attorney.

Ask for Help

When your career is on the line, you want a Wheaton CDL defense attorney to protect it. You want someone dedicated to your case that has a proven track record of getting the results that you need. The attorneys at Davi Law Group, LLC dedicate their experience, knowledge, and attention to ensuring that your rights are protected, and your story is heard, reducing the impact these damaging allegations have on your future. Call us today at 630-580-6373 to find out how you should proceed with your case.

Sources:

http://www.breathalyzeralcoholtester.com/alcohol-chart-estimation/

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K6-514