McKinney, TX Commercial Driver DWI Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Protect Commercial Driver's Licenses in DWI Cases in McKinney, Texas

A person who has been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) may face fines, a driver's license suspension, possible jail time, and a criminal record. For a person who holds a commercial driver's license (CDL), a DWI charge may also threaten their entire career. Commercial drivers may be at risk of losing their licenses, affecting their ability to continue working and putting their income and financial resources at risk. They will need to understand what steps they can take to minimize the impact of a DWI arrest and avoid problems that could affect their life and their future.

At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys work with drivers of trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles to address DWI charges. We understand what is at stake in these cases, and we will help a client determine the best options for defending against a DWI conviction and avoiding the loss of a CDL. With our help, commercial drivers can resolve a DWI case successfully while avoiding ongoing problems that may affect their careers.

The Lower BAC Limit That Applies to Commercial Drivers

In Texas, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a person operating a commercial motor vehicle is .04 percent. This is half of the legal limit of .08 percent that applies to non-commercial drivers. This law is meant to ensure that people who operate large commercial vehicles will be able to drive safely and avoid using substances that could lead to dangerous truck accidents. A commercial driver may be over the legal limit after drinking a small amount of alcohol. Even if they do not feel any effects of intoxication, they could be arrested and charged with DWI.

CDL Disqualification and Other Penalties Following a DWI Conviction

A commercial driver who is convicted of DWI will face the same criminal penalties that apply in any other DWI case. They may be sentenced to jail time and required to pay fines and other costs. However, a conviction will also lead to a unique concern for a commercial driver, since it will lead to the disqualification of their commercial driver's license.

A first-time DWI conviction will result in a disqualification of a person's commercial driver's license lasting for at least one year. If a person was transporting hazardous materials in a commercial vehicle when they were arrested for DWI, a conviction will result in a CDL disqualification lasting for at least three years. A second DWI conviction will result in a lifetime CDL disqualification, permanently preventing a person from working in a job where they drive commercial vehicles.

Even if a commercial driver is able to avoid a DWI conviction, they could face a CDL disqualification based on blood or breath testing performed after being arrested. A test showing that a driver was over the legal limit or the refusal to take a DWI test will result in the same periods of disqualification as a DWI conviction.

Unlike drivers of non-commercial vehicles, a commercial driver will be unable to obtain a restricted or occupational license during a CDL disqualification period. During a disqualification period, a person will be unable to work in any jobs that would require them to operate a commercial vehicle.

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Why DWI in a Personal Vehicle Will Affect a CDL

Commercial drivers will face penalties for DWI even if they were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of an alleged offense. While the standard legal limit of .08 percent will apply while driving a non-commercial vehicle, a driver who is convicted of DWI will be subject to a CDL disqualification. These penalties are meant to address potential unsafe behavior by commercial drivers. Since a DWI conviction may indicate that a driver cannot be trusted to drive safely, they will face penalties that will affect their ability to operate a commercial vehicle, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their offense.

Additional Career Consequences for Commercial Drivers in DWI Cases

A DWI conviction can affect a commercial driver's livelihood in multiple ways, even after they have completed a CDL disqualification period. Many employers are unwilling to hire drivers with DWI convictions on their record. Even after regaining a CDL, a person may struggle to find work as a commercial driver. They may also face higher insurance rates, which could affect the amount of income they are able to earn.

A second DWI conviction will result in a lifetime disqualification regardless of whether it occurs in a commercial or personal vehicle. This will end a person's career as a commercial driver. Because of these consequences, defending against a DWI conviction is especially important for a commercial driver. Preventing a first-time DWI conviction can help a person avoid a CDL disqualification and reduce the possibility of a lifetime disqualification in the future. Defending against a second DWI conviction may be even more important as a person tries to save their livelihood.

Contact Our McKinney Commercial Driver DWI Lawyers

Because of the high stakes involved in cases where commercial drivers have been arrested for DWI, legal representation is crucial. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers can help build a strong defense against DWI charges while taking steps to avoid ongoing issues that could affect a person's career. We can determine if it may be possible to resolve a case without a conviction that would result in a CDL disqualification. We can also provide representation during Administrative License Revocation proceedings, helping a person avoid the loss of their license. To arrange a free consultation and get legal help with issues that may affect a CDL, contact our McKinney, TX commercial driver DWI defense attorneys at 972-369-0577.