A DWI charge threatens your job, your license, and your future. If you hold a commercial driver’s license, the stakes rise. You need legal help right away. A DWI defense attorney for CDL drivers can fight to protect your CDL and reduce the penalties you face in court and at the DMV.
How DWI Law Affects CDL Drivers
North Carolina law sets a lower blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers. A BAC of 0.04% or more can lead to arrest. You risk a one-year CDL suspension after a first DWI. A second conviction can lead to permanent loss. You cannot request a hardship license for commercial use.
The DMV treats these cases harshly. A DWI can also damage your driving record and raise your insurance. Trucking companies often terminate drivers with DWI arrests. Even if the court drops the charge, your record may still reflect the arrest. A lawyer can work to avoid that outcome.
What Penalties You May Face
The court may impose fines, jail, probation, or substance treatment. The DMV may suspend or revoke your commercial license. You may face court dates, drug testing, and loss of work. A judge may also bar you from driving a company vehicle.
If the arrest involved an accident, a refusal, or a prior conviction, the penalties increase. DUI penalties for CDL holders carry more risk than a standard DWI. A defense lawyer can push to avoid conviction or lower the charge to protect your license.
Options to Fight or Reduce Charges
You may challenge the traffic stop, the field tests, or the breath test. Officers must follow strict rules. If they did not, your lawyer can ask the court to throw out the evidence. No test result means no case.
You may also qualify for a plea to a lesser charge. Some drivers resolve the case without a DWI on their record. Each case depends on the facts. Your lawyer can explain your options and push for the result that protects your license and record.
How a Lawyer Can Protect Your CDL
A defense lawyer will speak to the court, the DMV, and the prosecutor on your behalf. They will request a hearing to stop the automatic CDL suspension. They will gather records and witness statements. They will guide you through every step and answer every question.
Your lawyer can also request a limited license for non-commercial use while the case remains open. They can argue for dismissals, reduced charges, or deferred findings. They can help you avoid mistakes that could lead to permanent CDL loss.
Speak With a DWI Lawyer Today
Do not wait. A DWI charge with a CDL requires fast action. Call a DWI defense attorney for CDL drivers now to schedule a consultation. You will review your case, your license status, and your options. You will get clear answers and a plan to protect your job.
Your consultation costs nothing. The risk to your future costs everything. Let a lawyer defend your rights and help you stay on the road. Contact the Law Offices of Dewey P. Brinkley at (919) 832-0307 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.
