Columbus OH Commercial Drivers License DUI Lawyer
Commercial Drivers. An individual that holds a commercial driver’s license (CDL) faces serious consequences for an OVI / DUI, even if that person was not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the arrest
Administrative License Suspension. If a CDL holder is arrested for OVI / DUI, even while driving a non-commercial vehicle, and a chemical test indicates the CDL holder has an alcohol concentration above the legal limit, the CDL will be suspended for 90 days. If the CDL holder refuses a chemical test, the CDL will be suspended for one year, and the refusal is a separate offense under CDL law. A second refusal results in a lifetime CDL disqualification.
Limited Driving Privileges. Although limited driving privileges may be granted for driving a non-commercial vehicle, no limited driving privileges will be granted for driving a commercial vehicle during the period of the administrative license suspension. A DUI lawyer can appeal the administrative license suspension. If the appeal is successful, the CDL may be reinstated.
Conviction for O.V.I./D.U.I. If a CDL holder is convicted of O.V.I./D.U.I. while driving a non-commercial vehicle, the result is a one-year CDL disqualification. If a CDL holder is convicted of a second OVI / DUI while driving a non-commercial vehicle, the result is a lifetime CDL disqualification.
If Driving A Commercial Vehicle. If a CDL holder driving a commercial vehicle has a detectable amount of alcohol in his/her system, the CDL holder will be immediately placed out of service for 24 hours. If a CDL holder is arrested for OVI / DUI while driving a commercial vehicle, the legal alcohol concentration limit is lower. An administrative license suspension, discussed above, may be imposed. If a CDL holder is convicted of O.V.I./D.U.I. while driving a commercial vehicle, the result is a one-year CDL disqualification, and a second conviction results in a lifetime CDL disqualification.
If you have been charged with a DUI and have a commercial drivers license (CDL), contact the criminal defense law office of Shawn R. Dominy, Attorney at Law for an initial consultation about your case.
