There are few criminal charges that are more devastating than receiving a DWI. Unfortunately, if you receive a DWI with a commercial driver’s license, both your livelihood and your future as a whole are at risk. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable Rockland County criminal defense attorney to learn more about DWIs with CDLs and how we can help you through the legal process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How are commercial vehicles defined by NYS law?
A commercial vehicle in NYS must:
- Have a function of transporting 15 or more passengers
- Have a function of transporting certain hazardous materials
- Weigh more than 26,000 pounds
- Be defined by Vehicle and Traffic Law as a Bus
What are the consequences of a first-offense DWI with a CDL in New York State?
If you are charged with a DWI under normal circumstances, you can expect to face a wide array of potential penalties. That being said, if you are someone who was caught driving while intoxicated with a commercial driver’s license, those consequences will be even more severe. To start, the bar is higher for those with CDLs when it comes to BAC. If you are arrested with a BAC of .04% or higher, this will be enough to charge you with a DWI as a commercial driver. That being said, upon conviction, you will lose your CDL for a period of time, and you will also receive a standard license suspension as well. Additionally, depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you may also face high fines and jail time. Finally, you should understand that if you were arrested for a DWI with a CDL while you were transporting hazardous materials, you will most likely lose your CDL for up to three years.
Will I lose my CDL forever if I am convicted of a second DWI in New York?
For a second CDL DWI conviction in New York State, you will lose your standard license for a very long time, you will face high fines, and you will most likely lose your CDL for at least 10 years. As you can see, if you are facing these charges, it is in your best interest to speak with a knowledgeable Rockland County criminal defense attorney who can fight those charges today.
Contact our experienced Rockland County firm
Those facing criminal charges in New York need a strong Rockland County defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Fortunately, our firm is ready to put over 30 years of experience to work for you. Call today or contact The Law Office of Carl Spector online to schedule a free confidential consultation. We are ready to help you go on living life positively, happily, and free from the burdens of a criminal conviction–all you have to do is ask.
