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Houston DWI Lawyer > Blog > DWI > Commercial Driver Licenses And DWIs

Commercial Driver Licenses And DWIs

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A commercial driver’s license, also referred to as a CDL, is for individuals who are operating a vehicle as part of their livelihood, such as a bus or a truck. There is an additional skill set needed to navigate these large commercial vehicles, they are often more difficult to drive than a passenger van or consumer truck.

If you are a commercial truck driver and are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you could lose your CDL. This means you will no longer be able to earn an income. It is important you take whatever steps you can to protect yourself. Connect with a Houston DWI lawyer as soon as possible to learn about what options you have available.

Lower Limits in Place for CDLs

The legal blood alcohol limit is lower for individuals operating a commercial vehicle than it is for people driving passenger cars with a standard license. Because of this lower threshold, it can be more likely for a person with a CDL to find themselves arrested for drunk driving.

According to Texas law, the legal blood alcohol limit for a driver in a personal vehicle is .08. This level is true in most other states as well. But the legal limit for a trucker operating a commercial vehicle is .04.

If you were arrested for being over the legal limit, you will be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. Depending on the situation, you could find yourself subject to one or all of the following penalties if you are convicted.

  • Suspension of your license
  • Time in jail
  • Heavy fines
  • Community service
  • Probationary period
  • Requirement to participate in alcohol awareness programming

Of course, penalties increase if you have prior DWIs on your record. There is even the possibility of losing a CDL forever if you are arrested more than once for drunk driving a commercial vehicle.

Keep Away from DWI Penalties

There could be a path to fighting your DWI charges. If you beat them, you do not have to cope with any of the penalties involved. A Houston DWI lawyer can move forward with a challenge to your CDL suspension, for example.

In addition, an experienced attorney will investigate the situation and prepare a defense on your behalf. Part of this could be challenging the arrest, if it was not done properly or an inaccurate testing protocol was used.

Commercial drivers need the correct license to make a living. A DWI can result in income and reputation loss. When you aren’t sure where to turn, connect with an experienced legal professional.

Are you a commercial truck driver who relies on a CDL to make a living and are now facing a DWI charge? Our experienced legal team can defend you against a charge or explore your options. We have the knowledge to protect you whether you were charged with a DWI in connection to alcohol or prescription drug use. Reach out to the legal team at Ayson Law Firm to understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston criminal defense attorney today.

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