Howard County CDL DUI Lawyer
If you hold a commercial driver’s license and are facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges, you may be concerned about how such charges could affect your professional standing and ability to perform your job duties, as well as whether a DUI charge could create a criminal record. You will need to work with an experienced Howard County CDL DUI lawyer in order to best protect your interests. Call today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a DUI lawyer in Howard County.
By retaining an experienced Howard County CDL DUI attorney, you are making a proactive choice to defend yourself and your professional standing. The lawyers at our Maryland law firm understand how serious DUI charges can be when your CDL is at stake, and we are here to support and guide you through the legal process. Call our law offices today to conduct your free initial consultation.
Advantages of Hiring an Experienced Howard County CDL DUI Attorney
From the start to finish of the legal process, your Howard County CDL DUI lawyer can look out for you, making sure that you do not say or do anything to inadvertently harm your case during the investigation process. A DUI attorney can also assist by examining and evaluating the evidence against you and finding flaws in the prosecution’s case.
While there is never a guarantee regarding the outcome of a case, your Howard County CDL DUI lawyer can pursue reduced or dismissed charges on your behalf and strive to clear your name of wrongful charges.
Commercial Driving DUI Charges
Many commercial drivers are surprised to learn that even off-duty DUI allegations can impact their CDL status. The state does not care whether a commercial driver was operating a commercial vehicle at the time of arrest, or whether he or she was driving their personal vehicle.
While the blood alcohol threshold for DUIs in Maryland is typically 0.08 percent for standard drivers, a BAC as low as 0.04 percent can be considered an automatic DUI for a CDL holder.
If you have been unfairly accused of DUI, you may request a hearing before the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. Your Howard County CDL attorney can advise you and help you initiate a hearing within the necessary time-frame.
Commercial Driver DUI Penalties in Maryland
If a commercial driver is convicted of DUI—even while off the clock and in a personal vehicle—he or she may lose their CDL for up to one year. While other drivers also face having their driving privileges revoked or suspended, commercial drivers face the added penalty of losing their ability to work in their industry, at least as drivers. This is why it is so crucial that you immediately consult an experienced Howard County CDL lawyer if you find yourself facing a DUI charge.
Commercial drivers may also have their CDL suspended prior to any DUI conviction. This means that the driver’s employment may be affected before he or she has even had a chance to present their defense. If a driver is awarded modified or restricted driving privileges during a standard license suspension, the limited privileges do not apply to a CDL.
Depending on a driver’s BAC results, he or she may also face fines and jail time. For instance, a first-time DUI conviction carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and $1000 in fines. Your Howard County CDL lawyer can discuss your BAC results with you and how this may impact your CDL privileges as your case progresses.
Consult an Experienced Howard County CDL DUI Lawyer
Facing any type of DUI is intimidating, and can be even more burdensome for commercial drivers, since the charges can directly affect a driver’s livelihood and professional reputation. Our firm’s experienced CDL DUI lawyers understand how stressful these allegations can be, and we can help you understand the criminal justice system, combat unfair charges, and work to restore your good standing in the commercial driving industry.