Punishment for DUI for Commercial Drivers (VC 23152(d))
A conviction for driving under the influence can have serious consequences for any driver. However, if your employment involves driving, a DUI can mean more than just jail time or fines. It can also mean the end of your career.
DUI for Commercial Drivers (VC 23152(d))
For non-commercial drivers, you are presumed to have been driving under the influence if you have a blood-alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(d), people driving with a commercial driver’s license are presumed to be driving under the influence if they are shown to have a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
Commercial drivers may also be charged with DUI if they refuse to submit to a blood or breath test while driving with a commercial license. In addition, refusing to submit to a test will result in you having your commercial driver’s license suspended for one year.
Punishment for DUI for Commercial Drivers
A first-time commercial DUI conviction carries up to 364 days in county jail and fines of up to $1,000.
You may also be required to complete a court-ordered DUI education program that lasts between 3 and 36 months.
Like DUI for non-commercial drivers, these penalties will increase with subsequent convictions. Additionally, if you are convicted of DUI causing injury under Vehicle Code 23153, you could potentially be charged with a felony, which would increase the penalties you face dramatically.
Suspension of Your Commercial Driver’s License
Perhaps the most significant penalty you could face for a commercial DUI is the loss of your commercial driver’s license. If you are convicted of commercial DUI, your commercial driver’s license will automatically be suspended for one year. A second conviction will result in the loss of your commercial driver’s license for life.
While you may be able to drive your own non-commercial vehicle under a restricted license, you will not be able to obtain a license that allows you to work as a driver. Furthermore, even after your suspension ends, having a commercial DUI on your record will make it extremely difficult to find employment as a driver, which may make it impossible to continue your career.
Contact the Commercial DUI Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today
A conviction for commercial driver DUI can dramatically alter the course of your career and your life. That is why you should speak to an experienced DUI attorney at Wallin & Klarich if you are arrested for commercial DUI.
At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled DUI attorneys have more than 35 years of experience successfully defending commercial drivers facing DUI charges. Let our knowledgeable DUI defense attorneys help you now.
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 available to help you no matter where you are located.
Contact our offices today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free, no-obligation phone consultation regarding your DUI case. We will be there when you call.