DUI Consequences for Commercial DUI Charges
In California, there are three types of commercial driver’s licenses A, B, and C. A Commercial A license is based on weight and allows the holder to operate a vehicle with a gross combination of weight totaling 26,000 pounds. A Commercial B license is again based on weight; however, the cargo being towed may not exceed 10,000 pounds. Finally, a commercial C license allows the holder to transport hazardous with materials, passenger vehicles, or tank vehicles.
In California courts holders of these licenses are held to a higher standard than regular license holders. This is due to the special skill required to operate these vehicles and the dangers of what can occur while operating one of these vehicles. With this in mind, California prohibits commercial driver’s license holders from operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level (BAC) of .04 or higher. Commercial drivers who violate this law will face severe consequences if convicted Vehicle Code 23152(d).
Commercial DUI Punishments
For the first offense of Vehicle Code 23152(d) driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of .04 or greater the driver will be placed on probation for 3 to 5 years, their license will be suspended for 1 year, they will be ordered to pay fines up to $2,000, they must take a 3-month alcohol education class, and face up to 1 year in county jail. These are the same penalties as non-commercial DUI except the length of suspension is doubled to 1 year. Moreover, if a commercial driver gets a second DUI her licenses will be forfeited for life pursuant to Vehicle Code 15302.
Obviously, this can create problems both personally and professionally as commercial drivers will not be able to earn a living for 1 year. As such, if you hold a commercial driver’s license and face DUI charges it is imperative you contact an attorney to protect you personally and professionally. At Wallin and Klarich we have been representing cases like these for over 38 years and we can help you.
How Wallin & Klarich Can Help You Today
If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced defense attorney. The attorneys of Wallin & Klarich have more than 38 years of experience in successfully defending against DUI charges, including those charged against commercial drivers. Let us help you find the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation phone consultation.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, Los Angeles, and San Diego, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich DUI defense attorney near you, no matter where you work or live.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (714) 386-7710 for a free phone consultation. We will get through this together.
