DUI for CDL Holders Lawyer in Chicago
One mistake can jeopardize your entire career as a commercial driver. We can help you understand your options and protect your livelihood.
Getting a DUI when you hold a Commercial Driver’s License is not something you can simply pay a fine for and forget. A CDL DUI puts your job, your income, and your entire driving career at risk.
Any DUI arrest has two parts. There is the criminal DUI charge itself and the statutory summary suspension that the Illinois Secretary of State imposes on your driver’s license. Both will affect you, but CDL drivers face additional consequences that go far beyond what non-commercial drivers experience.
The law places CDL holders under stricter rules because commercial drivers operate large, heavy, and potentially dangerous vehicles. For that reason, the legal blood alcohol limit for CDL drivers operating a commercial vehicle is .04 percent, which is half the limit allowed for regular drivers.
Penalties for a CDL DUI are significantly harsher, and even a first offense can lead to the loss of your commercial driving privileges. Protecting your CDL requires an attorney who understands how these cases work and how to fight both the criminal and administrative sides of a CDL DUI.
The Impact of a CDL DUI
A CDL DUI can have serious consequences, and one of the biggest concerns for commercial drivers is losing their license. Unfortunately, the rules for CDL holders are much tougher than for regular drivers, which is why it is so important to understand what is at stake and how an experienced Chicago CDL DUI lawyer can help.
In a typical first-time DUI for a non-commercial driver, court supervision can prevent a conviction as long as you complete the court’s requirements. This is often considered a great outcome because it protects your record and avoids many long-term penalties.
For CDL drivers, the law works differently. Even if you receive court supervision, your commercial driving privileges will still be disqualified for one full year. This is a mandatory penalty for CDL holders, and it applies even if the DUI happened in your personal vehicle. If you were transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification increases to three years.
A second DUI carries even more severe consequences. Along with the criminal penalties, a second offense can lead to a lifetime revocation of your CDL. Losing your CDL can affect your job, your income, and your ability to support your family. Employers often remove drivers after a DUI arrest, and a conviction on your record can make it very difficult to get hired elsewhere.
The good news is that a CDL DUI does not mean your career is over. These cases can be fought, and there are many ways to challenge the stop, the testing, the arrest, and the automatic license suspension. Working with a skilled Chicago CDL DUI attorney or an Illinois CDL defense lawyer can make a major difference in protecting your future.
At Kovacevic Law, we take the time to review your situation, explain your options, and fight to keep you on the road. We can challenge your statutory summary suspension, defend you against the DUI charge, and work toward the best possible outcome for your CDL and your career.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving the Chicagoland area, call (312) 344-3340.
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Frequently asked questions
What penalties can CDL drivers face after a DUI in Illinois?
A CDL DUI can lead to harsh consequences, including possible jail time, fines up to 2,500 dollars, and a license revocation. A first DUI conviction can make you ineligible for reinstatement for at least one year, and a second offense can result in a permanent CDL revocation. CDL drivers may also face higher insurance rates, court-ordered treatment programs, and significant difficulty finding future employment.
How does court supervision affect CDL drivers charged with DUI?
Court supervision can be a good outcome for non-commercial drivers, but it can be harmful for CDL holders. Federal regulations treat court supervision as a conviction for CDL purposes. This means that even if you avoid a criminal conviction, your CDL will still be disqualified for one year, or three years if you were transporting hazardous materials.
Can a CDL DUI charge be reduced to protect my commercial license?
In some cases, prosecutors may agree to reduce a DUI to a reckless driving charge. While reckless driving is still serious, it does not trigger an automatic CDL disqualification. However, reckless driving counts as a serious traffic violation, so it may still affect you if you already have previous violations. A CDL DUI attorney can determine whether a reduced charge is the safest option for protecting your license.
How can I fight a CDL DUI in Illinois?
There are many defenses available in a CDL DUI case. Your attorney can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, question the accuracy of the breathalyzer, or dispute field sobriety test results. Errors in testing, improper police procedure, or unreliable observations can weaken the prosecution’s case and may lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
Why do I need an attorney who specializes in CDL DUI cases?
CDL DUI cases involve both Illinois DUI laws and federal CDL regulations, which makes them more complex than a standard DUI. A CDL DUI attorney understands how to protect both your criminal record and your commercial driving privileges. The right lawyer can challenge your statutory summary suspension, negotiate for reduced charges, and build a defense strategy focused on keeping you employable and on the road.