3 Things Collin County CDL Holders Should Know About DWI Charges

 Posted on June 09, 2022 in DWI

Truck drivers, bus drivers, and other commercial drivers provide invaluable services to Texas communities. If you have a commercial driver’s license, you probably know that CDL holders are subject to special regulations and requirements. Commercial drivers are held to very high standards under Texas law. Violating Texas law by driving while intoxicated (DWI) can lead to the suspension or revocation commercial driver’s license. Losing your license is especially devastating when you need your driver’s license to make a living. It is imperative that CDL holders understand their legal options after being accused of drunk driving.

Legal Limit for Commercial Drivers in Texas

For non-CDL holders, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Texas is 0.08 percent. However, the legal limit is only 0.04 percent for CDL holders. Many commercial drivers are shocked when they realize just how little alcohol it takes to push their BAC beyond the legal limit. For an average-sized adult male, it only takes two drinks to reach 0.04 percent BAC. Women who weigh less than 120 pounds can have a BAC over 0.04 percent from consuming a single alcoholic drink. CDL holders who have a few drinks and then drive may find themselves facing criminal charges for DWI.

Criminal Penalties and Administrative Consequences for CDL DWI

CDL holders face severe consequences for DWI convictions. Failing a breath alcohol test or blood test can not only result in the typical DWI penalties, but it can also result in the disqualification of your commercial driver’s license. A first-time DWI is penalized by a one-year license suspension. A second DWI may result in the permanent loss of your CDL license. In addition to license suspension or revocation, individuals convicted of DWI face steep fines, probation or community service, and jail time.

Defense Options for CDL Holders Accused of Drunk Driving

If you were arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and you have a commercial driver’s license, contact a CDL defense attorney for help right away. Your lawyer can help you form a strong defense against the DWI charges. The specific defense strategy your attorney uses will depend on the specific facts of your case. Was the breathalyzer device properly calibrated and well-maintained or is it possible the breath test results were inaccurate? Was blood testing conducted correctly by a qualified individual? Was the blood sample stored properly so the blood did not ferment and cause an inaccurate BAC? Did the officer have probable cause to initiate the traffic stop in the first place?

Contact a Collin County DWI Defense Lawyer

The Frisco criminal defense lawyers at Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. have secured hundreds of not guilty verdicts for clients accused of DWI – including in cases where the client’s BAC was allegedly above the legal limit.

If you have a commercial driver’s license and you were accused of drunk driving, contact our law firm right away. Schedule your free, confidential consultation by calling 469-333-3333 today.

Source:

http://www.breathalyzeralcoholtester.com/alcohol-chart-estimation