Los Angeles Commercial DUI Attorney

DUI Defense for Commercial Drivers in Los Angeles

In California, the criteria for a driving under the influence charge differ for commercial drivers and noncommercial drivers; the penalties for the crime vary as well. Commercial drivers, because of the larger size of their vehicles, are held to a higher level of accountability when it comes to driving and traffic offenses.

Commercial trucks, also known as semis and big rigs, can be as long as 75 feet, and they can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. This is a drastic difference from a normal passenger vehicle, which is, on average, around 5,000 pounds and about 15 feet long. When commercial trucks are involved in accidents, the consequences are generally tragic, especially for drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles which are crushed under the force of such a large vehicle. If you are facing commercial DUI charges, you need the help of a practiced Los Angeles DUI lawyer from Gold & Witham.

DUI Penalties for Commercial Drivers

For noncommercial drivers, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08%. For commercial drivers, it is half that, at .04%. If convicted of driving under the influence with a .04% to .08% BAC, you will face penalties such as:

A one year suspension of your commercial driver's license
A suspension of your driving privileges for noncommercial vehicles
Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle
Victims Impact Panel attendance or alcohol education classes
Probation
Community service

Commercial drivers are not eligible to apply for a restricted license. Commercial drivers who are charged with driving under the influence with a BAC of above .08% may face a complete CDL license revocation in addition to a regular driver's license suspension.

Contact a Los Angeles Commercial DUI Lawyer at Gold & Witham for more information about aggressive defense strategies when you have been charged with DUI.