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For commercial drivers, a DUI conviction could mean the end of their ability to make a living. They are held to a higher standard and face much more severe consequences if they are convicted. It does not matter whether the driver is in his or her own vehicle or a company vehicle. If you have been arrested for a DUI, you need to take immediate action to protect yourself and your livelihood.
At the Scottsdale-based Rosenstein Law Group, we provide aggressive, proactive defense to commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders throughout the Phoenix area and all of Arizona. We understand what is at stake in these cases, and we take the outcome as seriously as you do. You can rely on us to pursue every available option in an effort to protect your interests.
Because of the nature of the vehicles associated with commercial driver’s licenses, the penalties for a DUI charge against a commercial driver are more severe than for other drivers. Additionally, the threshold for driving under the influence in Arizona is much lower for commercial drivers because the inherent danger associated with trailers, buses delivery vans and semi-trucks.
While most drivers are held to a blood-content limit of .08, commercial drivers are held to a standard of .04. This means that commercial drivers have less leeway in avoiding a DUI arrest and need to be more careful about the amount of alcohol they consume before driving their vehicle. It also means that any commercial driver who is charged with DUI waste no time in aligning himself or herself with an aggressive DUI lawyer from our firm for legal representation. Whether you’re facing drug charges or require the services of a super extreme DUI defense attorney in Phoenix, we can help.
In Arizona, commercial drivers are subject to the same penalties as any other drivers if found guilty of a BAC over .04. This rings true for first-time offenses and repeat offenses alike. The charges are prosecuted and treated the same way. However, the possession of a CDL subjects commercial drivers to additional penalties on top of the normal sentence because of their specialized trade. If convicted, the driver’s CDL will be disqualified for at least one year and their regular driver’s license for at least 90 days.
Commercial drivers face at least five years’ probation for a DUI conviction and will have 8 points added to their driving record. A second DUI offense for a commercial driver within their lifetime can result in the permanent disqualification of their CDL. If the driver refuses to participate in a blood alcohol test at the time of the traffic stop, their CDL will be suspended for one year regardless of the test results. Likewise, refusal to comply in a second-time arrest can result in permanent loss of a commercial driver’s license.
Legal penalties of commercial driver DUI are not the only consequences associated with conviction. Because commercial drivers rely on their ability to use their CDL to earn a livelihood, suspension or disqualification of the CDL can have negative implications for their quality of life and their family’s quality of life. The inability to earn wages through their job will affect their finances and having a DUI conviction on record can influence the decision of future employers. There is simply too much at stake for commercial drivers facing DUI conviction, which emphasizes the need for aggressive and effective defense against the charges.
If you are a commercial driver, we do not need to tell you about the importance of preserving your ability to use your CDL because you already know how much you depend on it for your well-being. If you are facing a DUI charge, Rosenstein Law Group wants to help you protect yourself against the negative consequences of conviction by defending against those charges. Our Phoenix DUI defense attorneys are extremely experienced in this area of law and we passionate about protect the rights and interests of our clients facing a DUI charge. As a commercial driver, you cannot waste any time in acting against your charges.
Contact a Phoenix DUI attorney immediately to begin the process of putting these charges behind you. Call Rosenstein Law Group at (480) 452-1028 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our dedicated defense lawyers.