Commercial vehicle drivers are held to a higher standard than other motor vehicle drivers on New Jersey roads. This includes when they are penalized for driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. Read on to discover what the consequences are for a DUI with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and how a seasoned Morristown criminal defense lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can help you out of this situation.
What BAC level do I need to receive a DUI in the state of New Jersey?
When a law enforcement officer pulls you over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, they will likely measure your blood-alcohol content (BAC) level with a breathalyzer. For a standard motor vehicle driver, the results must show that your BAC level is at 0.08 percent or higher to be charged with a DUI. But, to reiterate, commercial vehicle drivers are held to a higher standard. Meaning, the results only have to show that your BAC level is at 0.04 percent or higher when operating a commercial vehicle to be punished with a DUI.
What are the consequences of a DUI with a CDL?
If you receive a first-offense DUI while operating a commercial vehicle, then you will likely get your CDL suspended for one year. On top of this, you will likely get your basic driver’s license suspended for anywhere between three to 12 months, which depends on what your BAC level was at the time you were pulled over. And as you can likely assume, the stakes for a second-offense DUI are higher. That is, you will likely get your CDL permanently revoked in addition to getting your basic driver’s license suspended for two years.
Additional penalties that you may be subjected to read as follows:
- First-offense DUI with a CDL:
- Fines anywhere between $250 to $400.
- Jail time of up to 30 days.
- Mandatory attendance of an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC) for anywhere between 12 to 48 hours.
- First-offense CDL DWI with a BAC level of 0.10 percent or higher:
- Fines anywhere between $300 to $500.
- Jail time of up to 30 days.
- Mandatory attendance of an IDRC for anywhere between 12 to 48 hours.
- Second-offense DUI with a CDL:
- Fines anywhere between $500 to $1,000.
- Jail time of anywhere between 48 hours to 90 days.
- Community service for up to 30 days.
- Mandatory attendance of an IDRC for anywhere between 12 to 48 hours.
What should I do if I receive a DUI with a CDL?
In addition to the aforementioned consequences of receiving a DUI, you will also run the risk of losing your employment as a commercial vehicle driver. And it may be difficult to retain employment once more with a permanent criminal record in your background.
This is why, when you are accused of a DUI, you must immediately reach out to a competent Morristown criminal defense lawyer. We will evaluate your case and work to reduce or altogether eliminate the charges against you. Call us today.
