What You Need to Know About Commercial DUIs

Driving a commercial vehicle can be incredibly dangerous. For this reason, the operators of these vehicles are held to much stricter guidelines and regulations. When a commercial driver is arrested for a DUI, there can be many serious consequences for their future. I, Zachary C. Holbrook, am experienced in many different aspects of DUI law and can help to provide the best legal defense during your commercial DUI case. These cases can significantly impact your future and result in substantial problems. Here is what you need to know about commercial DUIs. 

Understanding Utah BAC Levels

As most people are aware, Utah has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. The legal BAC, blood alcohol content, limit for non-commercial drivers is below .05%. However, the laws are even stricter for individuals that have a commercial driving license, called a CDL. These drivers can receive a DUI if their BAC reaches .04%. This is not a difficult level to reach and can even be met with just one alcoholic beverage or even the morning after a night of heavy drinking. It is also important to note that if the BAC of a commercial driver is significantly above .04%, they may have their CDL completely revoked. There are many serious consequences that come along with commercial DUIs, so it is critical to consult with me if you are going through a commercial DUI case. 

Any Vehicle You Drive

One important component to be aware of is that CDL holders are always held accountable to the highest standards. These requirements don’t only apply when they are driving a commercial vehicle. CDL holders always need to be extremely responsible about their driving. A CDL holder that is arrested for a DUI while driving a personal vehicle will still be held to the same standards and punishments as they would be if they were operating a commercial vehicle. It is very easy to reach a BAC of .04% so CDL holders need to be careful whenever they drink. If you have been charged with a commercial DUI, you should contact me for more information about the best steps to take. 

Penalties of Commercial DUIs

Driving a large commercial vehicle can be incredibly dangerous. Accidents with these vehicles are the most likely to result in fatalities. Due to this, there are much harsher penalties associated with commercial DUIs. Many of the regular fines, jail sentences, and other punishments will apply to someone charged with a commercial DUI. However, these fines and jail time will generally be extended to a more severe degree. It is common for commercial drivers to have their CDL suspended for one year after they have been charged with a DUI. In addition to the consequences on their CDL, they will also often face probation periods and the suspension of their non-commercial driving privileges. Commercial DUI offenses often result in the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle. Community service requirements tend to come along with commercial DUIs. 

Many companies will fire drivers that have been charged with a DUI. They also will be unable to use the driver’s services until their license suspension is over. Insurance rates will certainly increase after being charged with a commercial DUI. It is also important to remember that a 2nd commercial DUI charge will often result in the CDL being completely revoked. 

Keeping Your Job

In the majority of situations, you will only be able to prevent the suspension of your CDL if you fight the initial DUI charge. Once you have a DUI charge on your record, your CDL will be suspended and even potentially revoked. However, it can be extremely difficult to fight any DUI charge depending on the circumstance. My services are a great way to ensure the best possible outcome for your commercial DUI charge. This can go a long way toward helping you to keep your job and protect your future. 

CDL Holders

CDL holders are always held to higher requirements than non-commercial drivers. They are required to follow specific regulations, such as taking breaks on a schedule and following traffic laws to the letter. It is incredibly important to ensure that you follow these requirements if you have a CDL. Because CDL holders are held to higher standards, they will ultimately have harsher punishments for commercial DUIs. Fighting the charge tends to be the best possible method for protecting your future, your job, and preventing substantial issues. My experience in the area of DUI law is helpful in procuring the best possible outcome for your commercial DUI case. 

Defenses for a Commercial DUI

Since fighting the charge tends to be the best procedure for a commercial DUI charge, it is important to understand the defenses for a commercial DUI. I can help you to craft a thorough defense to provide the best outcome for your case. One of the most common defenses is to question the accuracy of the breath or blood test. This can often be effective, because commercial DUIs deal with very small alcohol levels, which increases the likelihood of an inaccurate test. You can also argue that the test was skewed based on a specific diet or taking certain medications, which can cause false results. 

Contact Me

Commercial DUIs come with incredibly serious long-term consequences. If you have been charged with a commercial DUI, it is incredibly important to obtain legal counsel to ensure the best possible outcome for your situation. I offer excellent DUI legal services to prevent substantial problems and protect your future. To learn more about my services or the importance of an attorney during a commercial DUI, contact me at the Zachary C. Holbrook law office today!