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Commercial Driver’s License – CDL
If you hold a Minnesota Class A CDL driver’s license you should be aware of some different laws that apply to you if you are charged and/or convicted of DWI. We would like to offer you some general information pertaining to CDL holders and DWI charges. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit(s) If you are operating a vehicle that requires you to hold a CDL, the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 0.04, half the normal legal limit of 0.08. If you hold a CDL and are operating any other vehicle that does not require a CDL, the 0.08 BAC limit will apply to your case. CDL Consequences
The criminal consequences for a conviction of DWI while holding a CDL are in most ways the same as any other DWI charge. However, the civil and collateral consequences are unique to commercial drivers. If you hold a CDL and are convicted of DWI (0.04 or 0.08), you can lose your CDL privileges for a period of one (1) to three (3) years.
If you refuse to take an evidentiary test after being arrested for suspicion of DWI, or if you are ultimately convicted (0.04 or 0.08) you can lose you CDL privileges for up to one (1) year. If you were transporting hazardous materials at the time, you could lose your CDL privileges for up to three (3) years. Aside from the criminal and civil penalties associated with a DWI conviction, the collateral consequences for losing your CDL can be far worse.\ If you depend on your CDL for income purposes, you should be aware of some potential consequences that have frequently occurred beyond the court system. If you lose your CDL you could be terminated from you current job and find it difficult to obtain new employment elsewhere. Most commercial driving employers have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to DWI charges and will terminate upon notice and/or reject applications for employment if a DWI or Implied Consent conviction appears on your record. If you are involved in a DWI charge and hold a CDL it is critical that you contact a DWI attorney with experience in representing and litigating DWI cases where CDL issues are involved. You must contact an experienced DWI immediately if you have been charged with a DWI and hold a CDL. There are time sensitive issues that must be addressed in order to appropriately preserve and contest the takings of your driver’s license and CDL privileges. We encourage you to meet with us and discuss any issues you are having in a free initial consultation.
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