Possible Defense Strategies for CDL Drivers Accused of Drunk Driving

 Posted on January 26, 2023 in Uncategorized

If you make your living as a commercial truck driver, getting arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol can put your commercial driving license or CDL in jeopardy. The same applies if you are a delivery driver or a bus driver. You need to act quickly and fight your DUI from the get-go. A DUI defense attorney can help you mount a strong defense to try to protect your livelihood.

Legal Alcohol Limit for CDL Holders

Getting a CDL is harder than getting your typical driver’s license. That is why the rules of the road are stricter for commercial drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration holds truck drivers to a higher standard. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration or BAC is 0.08 percent for most drivers. For a CDL driver, the legal limit is just .04 percent. The same is true for commercial truck drivers across the nation. These drivers spend significantly more time on the roads and highways compared to other people and they often transport passengers or hazardous materials, so the law is stricter for them.

Your CDL in Jeopardy

If you are a truck driver convicted of drunk driving, you could lose your commercial driver's license for up to one year. If it is the second time you are caught drinking and driving you can lose your CDL for life. You will also be subject to other DUI penalties if you are convicted, including steep fines or even jail time.

Possible Defenses for CDL Holders

Here are possible defense strategies we could utilize to help you avoid a DUI conviction and the consequences of losing your CDL:

• Unjustified Stop – Police cannot pull someone over on a hunch, there has to be a reasonable suspicion to justify the initial traffic stop or we can try to have your case dismissed.
• Improper Field Sobriety Test – These tests are notoriously inaccurate. The officer needs to follow certain steps to administer the test otherwise the results may be inadmissible in court.
• Defective Breathalyzer machine – The equipment used to measure your BAC may not have been properly calibrated. If the machine is not working as it should, the test results are not accurate.
• Unreliable blood test results – Things may have occurred that led to the mishandling of the blood sample or perhaps it was contaminated.

Contact a Will and Grundy DUI Defense Lawyer Today

The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. has extensive experience defending clients accused of drunk driving. Protect your family’s livelihood with the help of a Will County DUI attorney who will present a strong defense. Call 815-740-4025 for a free consultation. It is essential that you take action right away.