If you’re a commercial driver, a DUI charge in California can put your entire career on the line. Because CDL holders are held to stricter standards, even a small mistake can lead to serious consequences. That’s why it’s so important to have a Santa Clarita CDL DUI lawyer who knows how to protect it.
At Lias Law Firm, we understand the real-world impact a DUI can have on your life and your future. Our experienced DUI attorneys will carefully review every detail of your case and fight for a result that protects your license and minimizes penalties.
Difference Between a Regular DUI and a CDL DUI in California
A DUI for commercial drivers in California is treated far more seriously than a standard DUI. Commercial drivers holding a CDL have a stricter legal blood alcohol limit of 0.04% BAC, compared to 0.08% for non-commercial drivers. Even minor infractions can lead to immediate administrative actions, including license suspension.
Since a commercial driver’s license is essential to your career, a DUI conviction can jeopardize employment prospects, prevent commercial driving, and cause long-lasting challenges to maintaining a CDL career.
Consequences of a DUI for Commercial Drivers
- License Suspension or Revocation: A first-time CDL DUI can result in a 1-year suspension of your commercial driving privileges, and repeat offenses may lead to longer suspensions or permanent revocation.
- Fines and Fees: CDL DUIs often carry higher fines than regular DUIs, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on prior offenses and circumstances.
- Jail or Custody Time: Even a first-time CDL DUI can result in mandatory jail time, typically ranging from 48 hours to several months for repeat offenses.
- Alcohol or Drug Education Programs: Court-mandated education or treatment programs may be required, sometimes lasting several months.
- Impact on Employment: A DUI on your record can make it difficult to keep your current job or find new work as a commercial driver, as many employers have zero-tolerance policies.
- Increased Insurance Rates: CDL holders with a DUI may face significantly higher commercial and personal auto insurance premiums.
- Permanent Driving Record Impact: A DUI conviction remains on your driving record, potentially affecting future licensing, endorsements, or job opportunities.
What Happens When You Get Arrested for a CDL DUI in California
When you’re arrested for a CDL DUI in California, the process can have immediate effects on your driving privileges. For CDL holders, the state can suspend your license for up to one year after a first offense, even before your case goes to court.
Once the arrest is made, you will enter the legal process, which includes arraignment, potential hearings, and, if necessary, trial. The prosecution will present evidence, and your CDL DUI lawyer can challenge the circumstances of the arrest, the accuracy of chemical tests, and other procedural issues.
Having a CDL DUI attorney from Lias Law Firm is essential, as we can negotiate for reduced penalties, explore alternatives to suspension, and help protect your commercial driving privileges.
Steps to Take After a CDL DUI Arrest in Santa Clarita
- Contact an Experienced CDL DUI Attorney: Work with a lawyer who understands California’s commercial driving laws and can guide you through the legal process.
- Understand Your License Status: Check if your commercial driving privileges have been administratively suspended and learn how to file a timely appeal if needed.
- Gather Important Documentation: Collect any evidence related to the arrest, including witness statements, test results, and accident reports.
- Comply with Court Orders: Attend all hearings, complete required forms, and follow any court mandates to avoid additional penalties.
- Consider a License Reinstatement Hearing: If your license is suspended, your attorney can help you request a hearing to challenge or limit the suspension.
- Participate in Required Programs: Enroll in alcohol or drug education programs if ordered by the court to demonstrate compliance and responsibility.
- Document Employment Impact: Keep records of how the arrest affects your job to support potential mitigation arguments during legal proceedings.
Legal Defenses Against Commercial Driver DUI Charges
Facing a CDL DUI charge doesn’t mean your career is automatically over. An experienced CDL DUI attorney can carefully review the details of your arrest and identify strong legal defenses that may reduce or even dismiss the charges against you.
From challenging the accuracy of chemical tests to questioning the legality of the traffic stop, our attorneys know how to protect your driving privileges and your future. With Lias Law Firm, it’s possible to navigate the process in a way that minimizes impact on your license, your job, and your livelihood.
Common legal defenses an attorney may use in a CDL DUI case include:
- Challenging Field Sobriety or Chemical Tests: Ensuring tests were conducted properly and results are reliable.
- Questioning the Traffic Stop: Evaluating whether law enforcement had legal grounds to pull you over.
- Medical or Prescription Defenses: Demonstrating that medications or medical conditions may have affected test results.
- Procedural Errors: Identifying mistakes in arrest paperwork, evidence handling, or chain of custody.
- Mitigation Through Compliance: Showing the court proactive steps, such as voluntary education programs, to reduce penalties.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Santa Clarita CDL DUI Attorney
If you’re facing a CDL DUI in Santa Clarita, our team at Lias Law Firm has your back. Our experienced CDL DUI attorneys know what’s at stake for commercial drivers and work to keep penalties low, minimize jail time, and pursue alternative solutions whenever possible.
We handle each case with a practical, results-focused approach, aiming to protect your license and keep your career on track. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys will guide you through the legal process and keep you on the road.
