How long do you have to wait after a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) to drive for a company?
A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can restrict your ability to operate a vehicle while on the job. In many cases, DUI convictions in California lead to license restrictions or even a license suspension. Even after your driving privileges are restored, a company may not wish you to drive while working.
Find out how long you have to wait after a DUI conviction to drive for a company with this article. Consider the impact of a DUI on your commercial driver’s license (CDL) with the Simmrin Law Group. If you need help handling a DUI accusation, you can call (310) 997-4688 to get professional legal assistance.
General License Suspensions After a DUI in California
Non-commercial drivers convicted of a DUI in California will likely be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicles. The California court system may order a driver to install an IID for:
- Six months for a first DUI
- One year for a second DUI
- Two years for a third DUI
- Three years for subsequent DUIs
Technically, a driver may operate a motor vehicle as normal after a DUI if it has an IID installed. Drivers can even request an exemption from their employer to operate a company vehicle without an IID. However, many employers in California do not want to let drivers operate company vehicles after a DUI conviction.
Therefore, you may be able to drive for a company after a DUI quickly if you have an IID installed or if you get an exemption. You should also be prepared for the company to restrict your driving privileges.
CDL Suspensions After a DUI in California
Commercial drivers face harsher license restrictions after a DUI conviction in the state of California. Your CDL is regulated by both state and federal laws. Under these laws, your commercial driving privileges will be:
- Suspended for a year for a first DUI
- Revoked for life for a second DUI
During a CDL suspension, you will not be able to drive a commercial vehicle for a company at all. Restrictions on your ability to drive can impact your livelihood, especially if you are a commercial driver. A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you take on commercial DUI charges. Call (310) 997-4688 to focus on a defense before you are convicted.
Trucking Companies and DUI Charges in California
Technically, you are allowed to resume operating a commercial vehicle after your CDL suspension expires in California. Many trucking companies will not hire drivers with a recent DUI on their records, however.
Around the nation, trucking companies most often require drivers to wait five-to-seven years after a DUI before they will initiate hiring procedures. Some companies will allow you to drive for them if three years have passed since a DUI conviction. Other companies only consider drivers who have no DUIs within 10 years.
Finally, there are some commercial trucking companies that will not hire a driver with a DUI at all.
Handle Commercial DUI Charges in Los Angeles
As you can see, a conviction for a DUI can have a serious impact on your career in the state of California. You can improve your chances of successfully handling a DUI accusation by getting help quickly from a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles.
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can begin investigating your case right now. A lawyer can speak to witnesses, review evidence, and work to construct your defense. Your legal representative may be able to demonstrate that:
- You were not operating a vehicle with an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC)
- You were not impaired while driving your vehicle
- You were stopped without due cause by a law enforcement officer
In some cases, a criminal defense lawyer can get your charges dismissed or reduced to a level that will not impact your ability to drive for a company. The Simmrin Law Group can also support you in court after you are charged with a DUI. Contact us now to learn more.
Call a Lawyer If You Need to Drive for a Company After a DUI
You may have to wait years to drive for a company after a DUI conviction in California. Handling DUI charges before a conviction can help you protect your driving privileges. Get legal assistance with a DUI accusation now by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Just fill out our online contact form or call us at (310) 997-4688 to secure assistance.
Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles can begin working on your defense now with a FREE consultation.