Protect Your Job & Your License. Call Our Raleigh DWI Lawyer.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders are held to a higher standard than other motorists in North Carolina. Not only are the qualifications for obtaining a CDL more rigorous than those for a standard driver's license, once a person has earned his or her CDL, they must adhere to a more strict code of conduct on the roads. This includes the guidelines surrounding DWI.
Most motorists must have a BAC of .08 or higher in order to be arrested for DWI. For CDL holders, that threshold is considerably lower at .04 while driving a commercial vehicle.
CDL & Sobriety Test Refusals
CDL drivers who do not submit to field sobriety testing can be charged with a refusal and may face additional penalties.
DWI and CDL Disqualification
You can lose your CDL for one year if you are convicted of any of the following DWI-related offenses:
Driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of .04 or higher
Refusing a chemical BAC test
Driving a commercial vehicle under the influence of a schedule I controlled substance
If you were transporting hazardous materials at the time, your suspension will be extended to three years.
Can I Get a CDL With a DWI?
If you have been charged for a first DWI, you may still be able to get a CDL. Most of the time, employers will require that your DWI charge be somewhere around 5-7 years old before they are willing to hire a commercial driver with a DWI on record.
Can I Get a CDL With 2 DUI Charges?
If you are convicted of these offenses for the second time, your CDL will be suspended for life. Under certain circumstances, some drivers may be able to apply to have this ban lifted after 10 years.
Aggressive Defense for CDL DWI in Raleigh, North Carolina
Loss of your CDL could have a serious impact on your finances and your future. If you are a professional driver who has been charged with DWI in North Carolina, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of an experienced Raleigh DWI defense attorney right away.
