CDL/Commercial DUI
Will County Commercial DUI Attorney
Experienced CDL Defense for Commercial Drivers in Kane & DuPage Counties
Being arrested and charged with a DUI can yield heavy consequences for average drivers in Illinois, but the penalties can be even harsher for drivers that have a CDL license. As operators of large vehicles, commercial drivers are held to much higher standards for safety and following the rules of the road, so a violation can put their livelihoods in jeopardy.
If you are a commercial driver that has been charged or convicted of a DUI or DWI, you need to find skilled legal representation immediately. Attorney Peter O’Connor of PGO Law Firm can provide you with the strong defense you need to contest the charges and keep your job.
Call today at (630) 448-8878 or complete our online form to schedule a free case evaluation. Se habla español.
Illinois Laws for a CDL DWI
Commercial drivers have an increased responsibility to follow traffic laws for the safety and well-being of other drivers on the road. As a result, any violations due to negligence or a DUI/DWI can be met with severe consequences. For most drivers, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is .08 percent. Being pulled over at or above this limit can result in a DUI charge. However, the legal limit is lower and much stricter for commercial drivers at 0.04 percent BAC—half of a typical DUI charge.
Even if you are driving a personal vehicle and are pulled over for a DWI, your CDL can still be at risk of being suspended or permanently revoked if convicted.
Penalties for Commercial Driver DUI in Illinois
Driving while intoxicated can lead to serious penalties, but commercial drivers face an even greater risk.
- If it is your first offense and you tested between .08 and .15 BAC, your license (both your CDL and normal driver’s license) will be suspended for 45 days.
- If your BAC was found over .15 BAC, your CDL will be suspended for 90 days
- If you refuse a chemical test when prompted during the arrest, your CDL will be suspended for 1 year and your normal license will be suspended for 120 days
- If this is your second offense, a conviction can lead to a lifetime revocation of your CDL license
- The penalties can be even worse if your DUI led to an accident, you left the scene of the accident, an accident caused the death of another person, or you were transporting hazardous materials
Being convicted of a DWI can significantly impact your life as a commercial driver and have lingering effects long after paying your debt to society. If commercial driving was your primary source of income, this can greatly hinder your ability to make a living and provide for your family. Even after a suspension is lifted, you may very likely be let go by your employer and find it difficult to secure employment in the future. Commercial driving companies will not want to be associated with someone with a drunk driving conviction even if it was a one-time mistake.
How Our Will County Commercial DUI Attorney Can Help
The best way to avoid a conviction and get back your CDL privileges is by hiring skilled legal representation. Attorney Peter O’Connor has years of experience advocating for clients who were commercial drivers and were charged with DUIs and can help to contest the accusations and clear your record.
Attorney O’Connor focuses primarily on DUI cases and is even a member of the College of DUI Defense, so his familiarity with the law can be used to your advantage. We will explore every avenue to secure the best outcome for your case, whether it be questioning the lawfulness of the traffic stop, challenging the testimonial of the arresting officer, or challenging the validity of the field sobriety test (which Attorney O’Connor is trained in), among other compelling defenses.
No matter the approach taken, you can rest assured that our firm knows what it takes to strategize a strong defense and help your chances at dismissing or reducing the charges.
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“Exceptional lawyer! He’s the best at what he does!” - Former Client
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“Attorney O'Connor made me feel better after speaking with him. I'm going with this man for the big win!” - Former Client
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“Peter is a very kind individual who is willing to work with you when it comes to financial payments.” - Esmeralda V.