Commercial truck drivers rely on their driver’s license to make their living. This makes charges for driving under the influence (DUI) very serious for commercial drivers. A DUI conviction can result in a commercial driver’s license suspension of up to one year for a truck driver in California.
Fortunately, you do not have to face commercial DUI charges on your own. You can get professional help by reaching out to a truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles today. Speak to the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group to see how a DUI lawyer can help you.
Truck Driver DUIs in California
The state of California uses specific charges to prosecute commercial drivers who commit a DUI offense. If you are pulled over for driving a commercial vehicle after consuming alcohol, you could be charged under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(d).
According to VC 23152(d), commercial drivers must keep their blood alcohol content (BAC) below 0.04%. Note that this is lower than the state’s general BAC limit. Non-commercial drivers over 21 may operate a vehicle with a BAC under 0.08%.
As you can see, regulations are harsher for commercial drivers. You must adhere to these stricter BAC regulations if you operate:
- A vehicle that may be operated with a Commercial Class A license
- A vehicle that must be operated with a Class B license
- A vehicle that must be operated with a Class C license (in certain circumstances)
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Results of Truck Driver DUI Convictions
Convictions for commercial DUIs in California are handled very harshly. If you are convicted of a truck driver DUI you could face:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
- Probation of up to five years
- DUI classes of up to three months
- License suspension of up to one year
Losing your commercial driver’s license (CDL) for one year can make it impossible to continue earning a living. Additionally, you should be aware that these penalties can grow more severe if you are convicted of a subsequent commercial DUI in California.
A second truck driver DUI in California can lead to the lifelong revocation of your commercial driver’s license.
Truck Driver DUIs and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Note that you should contact the DMV within 10 days of a commercial DUI arrest. You will need to request a hearing with the DMV within 10 days or the DMV can automatically suspend your license after 30 days.
This suspension may not be directly tied to any criminal charges you are facing for a truck driver DUI. Make sure you take the protection of your driving privileges seriously by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles for help today.
A truck driver DUI lawyer can help you with your criminal charges and with your DMV hearing.
Truck Driver DUIs and Employment as a Commercial Driver
We mentioned that a commercial DUI conviction can result in a one-year license suspension. Your employer will be notified about your arrest within 30 days. Once your employer becomes aware of a DUI arrest, they may decide to terminate your services.
In California, employers are legally allowed to fire employees after DUI convictions. Take charge of this situation by getting fast help from a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. Resolving commercial DUI charges quickly can help you protect your employment and your future.
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Defenses for California Truck Driver DUI Charges
You don’t have to try to take on a truck driver DUI charge on your own. You can get professional help today from the Simmrin Law Group. We may be able to argue that:
- A law enforcement officer stopped you without reasonable cause
- You were not informed of your legal rights during an arrest
- Your BAC test results were inaccurate
In some situations, we might be able to get your truck driver DUI charges dismissed, allowing you to move forward with your life without further stress. In other cases, your DUI lawyer might negotiate with prosecutors to secure you a plea bargain that will reduce your charges to acceptable levels.
Sometimes, commercial DUI charges are even resolved in the court system. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can assess your unique legal needs today to determine how best to defend you.
Get Help from a Truck Driver DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles
A commercial DUI conviction can prevent you from operating a vehicle and earning a living for a year or more. Address these charges head-on with the assistance of a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. Allow the Simmrin Law Group to begin working on your defense now with a FREE case evaluation.
You can get in contact with us by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form