Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense with severe consequences for any driver. However, for commercial drivers like yourself, the stakes are even higher due to the nature of your profession and the stricter regulations surrounding CDL (commercial driver’s license) holders. 

Your CDL is crucial for your livelihood. With a CDL, you can legally operate commercial vehicles and work in the transportation industry. Driving a commercial vehicle can be a lucrative career that can span decades with care and responsibility. 

However, as a commercial driver, you are held to higher standards than non-commercial drivers. This means that DUI offenses can lead to more severe consequences - even the loss of your CDL completely.

If you are arrested for a DUI, your driving privileges, including your CDL, may be temporarily suspended. This can significantly impact your ability to work and earn a living. If convicted of a DUI, you may face the loss of your CDL for a longer time. This can range from months to years, depending on the number of offenses and the severity of your situation. 

Unfortunately, even if you do not lose your CDL for long, a DUI conviction can lead to difficulties finding employment as a commercial driver. Many trucking companies and other employers have strict policies regarding DUI offenses, and your record may negatively impact your job prospects.

What To Do After a DUI

It is crucial to consult with an experienced Seattle DUI attorney with experience handling CDL cases. They can provide guidance, protect your rights, and help you navigate the legal process. Work closely with your attorney to explore possible defenses or mitigating factors that could help minimize the impact of the DUI charge on your CDL. 

Your attorney will collect all documents related to your DUI arrest, including the police report, breathalyzer or blood test results, and other evidence. These documents will be crucial for your attorney to build a strong defense on your behalf. Your Seattle DUI lawyer will carefully analyze the evidence against you, including the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of sobriety tests, and the handling of any blood or breath samples. Understanding the strength of the prosecution's case is critical to building a defense against it. 

Depending on the case against you, your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor to explore the possibility of a plea bargain. This may involve seeking a reduced charge, such as a "wet reckless" instead of a DUI, which can have fewer severe consequences for your CDL.

Seeking CDL License Restoration and Rehabilitation

Before reinstating your CDL in Seattle, you may need to complete mandatory DUI education programs or rehabilitation courses. These programs address alcohol or substance abuse issues and demonstrate your commitment to safe driving. 

Depending on the specific circumstances of your DUI offense, you may need to wait before becoming eligible for license reinstatement. This waiting period allows time for rehabilitation, evaluation, and reflection. 

After completing any required programs and satisfying the waiting periods, you can initiate the process of reinstating your CDL. Your attorney can help you meet the specific requirements, paperwork, and fees to ensure a smooth reinstatement process.

Once your CDL is reinstated, it is crucial to maintain a clean driving record moving forward. Abide by all traffic laws, avoid any further DUI offenses or traffic violations, and drive responsibly at all times.

Contact Our Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys

Are you a commercial driver worried about the potential consequences of a DUI on your CDL?

Contact an experienced Seattle DUI defense lawyer today. At Lewis & Laws, our dedicated team understands the unique challenges commercial drivers face in DUI cases. We will thoroughly analyze the details of your case, explore potential defenses, and guide you through every step of the process. We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to protect your CDL and help you move forward with your career.

Don't let a DUI charge jeopardize your commercial driver's license and your future. At Lewis & Laws, we offer aggressive legal assistance after an arrest in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and throughout Washington state. Contact us today to explore your legal options.