Many people who drive for a living have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you have a commercial driver’s license in New York, a DWI charge can have a serious impact on your livelihood. Read on to learn more about CDL DWIs in New York.
What is a Commercial Vehicle?
In New York, a commercial vehicle must meet the following requirements:
- 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 CDL DWI in New York?
If you have a standard driver’s license and you are pulled over with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, you will likely be charged with a DWI. But, the standards for commercial drivers are higher. Those with a commercial driver’s license can receive a DWI for a BAC of .04%. If you have a commercial driver’s license and you are pulled over with a BAC between .04-.09%, you may face the following consequences:
- You will lose your CDL for a period of time
- You will receive a standard license suspension
- You may face high fines
- In some cases, you can face jail time.
- 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.
DWI consequences are dependent upon your BAC and your prior convictions. As a result, if your BAC is .10% or higher, you may face increased consequences.
What are the Consequences of a Second CDL DWI?
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. This can impact your ability to make a living.
If you are facing charges for a CDL DWI in New York, you will need the help of an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your case.
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.
