For individuals who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the consequences of a criminal charge can extend far beyond fines or jail time. One of the most immediate and devastating outcomes can be the loss—or suspension—of a CDL. If commercial driving is your livelihood and you’re facing criminal charges, losing your license can mean losing your job, your income, and your financial stability.
CDL holders are held to higher legal standards than non-commercial drivers, both on and off the road. That means certain criminal offenses, even those that happen in a personal vehicle, can lead to the disqualification of a CDL. These include DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, using a vehicle in the commission of a felony and driving with a suspended license, among others. A first offense for some of these violations may result in a one-year disqualification; a second offense can lead to a lifetime ban.
What you’re facing and what can be done
One of the most common ways a CDL holder risks disqualification is through DUI charges. In many states, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for CDL drivers is 0.04%, half of the 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers. And it doesn’t matter whether an alleged offense happened while operating a commercial vehicle or a personal one—any DUI arrest can trigger serious consequences. Even before a conviction, an administrative license suspension could impact your ability to work.
Drug-related offenses can also lead to CDL disqualification. If you’re convicted of using a commercial vehicle to distribute, manufacture or transport controlled substances, federal law imposes a lifetime ban on holding a CDL. Other criminal offenses, such as theft, assault or fraud, may not directly disqualify a driver under transportation laws, but they can still affect employment now and in the future.
If you’re a CDL holder facing criminal charges, it’s important to act quickly. A criminal defense attorney who understands the implications of your charges on your CDL status can work to minimize the fallout. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate lesser charges, fight the case outright or secure alternatives that avoid conviction altogether. The goal is to protect your record and your ability to continue working in your field.
Your commercial driver’s license is more than a piece of plastic—it’s your career. Criminal charges can put that career in jeopardy in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Don’t take chances with your future. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, speak with a defense attorney right away. A smart legal strategy could make all the difference in preserving your livelihood.
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