Will I Lose My Commercial Driver’s License If I Get a DUI?
If you drive a commercial truck, tow truck or bus, there’s a good chance that you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL); it’s required by law if you want to operate any large or heavy vehicle over a certain weight. Since driving these vehicles is typically a career choice, losing your license would be devastating. Not only would you lose your job, but also lose the ability to support your family and loved ones.
In Michigan, if you are convicted of a first offense drunk driving, known as “Operating While Intoxicated” (OWI), in your personal vehicle, you not only lose your regular driver’s license, but also your commercial driver’s license. For a first offense, your CDL will be suspended for one year. If you have any subsequent arrests and convictions, your CDL may be revoked for a minimum of 10 years.
Luckily, sometimes a DUI can be challenged based upon the reliability of the chemical test or the method by which it was taken or even the legality of the stop. An experienced lawyer can also fight the drunk driving offense and get it reduced to a non-drinking offense. While a reckless or careless driving offense would still result in losing your CDL for a year if you were driving your commercial vehicle, the suspension would only last 90 days if you were using your personal vehicle when arrested, allowing you to continue working.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
If you are a truck driver or delivery person with a CDL and have been arrested for a driving under the influence, please contact our Okemos DUI defense attorneys at White Law PLLC today. Our firm will do everything we can to get a result that does not involve the loss of your commercial driver’s license.
Call (517) 316-1195 or contact us online for a consultation.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
