Minnesota law outlines severe punishments for anyone who drives while impaired. However, Minnesota law is even more severe when it comes to commercial drivers who are impaired behind the wheel. Not only does a commercial driver who has been arrested for driving under the influence face the standard fines and jail time, but an arrest (even without a conviction) can lead to extreme penalties including loss of CDL endorsement for one full year or even for life.
DWI With a CDL
Commercial drivers are held to a much higher standard when it comes to driving while impaired. As a CDL endorsement holder, the legal limit for alcohol is lower than .04 if you are in your CDL vehicle while impaired. Further, if you are arrested for DWI .08 or more in a regular vehicle your CDL will be revoked for a minimum of one full year for a first offense and for life on a second offense. Furthermore, if you were transporting hazardous materials when pulled over, that disqualification of your CDL is raised to three years. You will also face CDL disqualification if you are pulled over and refuse to submit to a blood, urine, or breath tests to determine your BAC. All of this is in addition to standard non-CDL driver’s license consequences. For many truckers, this means that they won’t be able to do their job for a year or longer and that is a big problem. In addition, finding a driving job again will be extremely difficult as you may be categorized as uninsurable even if you regain a valid status for your CDL.
You Must Fight These Penalties
If you have been arrested for a DWI and you are a commercial driver, you need to be very aggressive with your defense and file motions to contest the CDL penalties right away as there are deadlines to file. You need to contact a lawyer as early as possible in the process so they can begin crafting a defense that is specific to your unique case.
If you are a commercial driver who has been arrested for DWI in the state of Minnesota, even if you were in your personal vehicle at the time, contact us today. One conviction is enough to ruin your livelihood Call Kinsella & Foley Defense immediately and we will fight for you.