If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a DWI conviction will lead not only to the loss of your CDL but also the loss of your livelihood. To preserve your license and your job, you should select an experienced Houston DWI lawyer as soon as possible following a DWI arrest.
If you are convicted of drunk driving, you will not be able to receive an occupational driver’s license for a commercial driver’s license. Even if you are able to get your license restored following a conviction, you will not be able to purchase affordable commercial vehicle insurance. In other words:
People with a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) are also judged by a stricter standard when accused of drinking and driving in most states. If the commercial truck driver holds a commercial driver’s license and is arrested while operating a commercial vehicle, he/she is subject to the same punishments if the tests indicate a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or more, compared to the normal .08 or more that normal license holders are subject to.
Commercial drivers are held to stricter legal standards than non-commercial drivers, and the consequences of a DWI conviction can be career-ending. In addition to the general DWI penalties in Texas, CDL holders face enhanced sanctions that apply even for a first offense:
If your commercial vehicle was transporting any type of hazardous materials, specific DWI penalties apply.
Reinstatement of a CDL lifetime disqualification may be fought for after a minimum of 10 years of disqualification; however, it can be difficult to obtain. Our CDL DWI defense lawyer in Houston will be able to legally support you through this legal process.
The most recent legislation in Houston made changes that could adversely affect holders of CDL licenses. Commercial Driver’s license holders can no longer take Defensive Driving or Deferred Adjudication to clear moving violations from their driver’s records.
What are moving violations? They are any violations such as speeding, running a stop sign, or failing to signal properly. Essentially, for those with a Commercial Driver’s License, a moving violation can lead to higher insurance premiums and negative connotations that may greatly impact a driver’s career.
This means that a minor traffic offense can affect your commercial driver’s license and your cost of commercial vehicle insurance. In more serious cases, like suspicion of impaired driving, understanding your rights during a DWI traffic stop becomes critical, even for a minor infraction. Which is why it’s important to work with a knowledgeable CDL DUI attorney in Houston who understands the unique challenges commercial drivers face and can help protect your livelihood.
Houston CDL DWI defense lawyer David A. Breston is known in the Houston area for his aggressive defense of drunk driving and other traffic cases. A graduate of the University of Texas Law School, David A. Breston has saved more than 100 driver’s licenses from being suspended, including many commercial driver licenses.
Remember, in Texas, you only have 15 days to challenge the suspension of your license following a DWI charge and arrest. Contact David A. Breston as soon as possible to:
Contact David A. Breston immediately at (713) 804-6492 to protect your license and your job, our defense attorneys are standing by to help represent you!
Great lawyer to work with! I have been working with David Breston for about 5 years now. I first hired him for my immigration issues I had with my student visa. Him and his partners are very great people to deal with and they are all very friendly. We never had any communication issues or any other kind of problem with David Breston. At the moment, he is helping us with my wife’s DWI case and so far the experience with the law firm has been perfect as always. He takes care of his clients very well and his prices are VERY affordable. He has always done a real good job on the cases we needed help with. I would definitely recommend him to anyone that needs someone trustworthy.
-John G.
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