What Are The Penalties for a CDL DUI in New York?

A CDL, short for a commercial driver’s license, is a special license that those who drive trucks and other large vehicles for a living must have in order to operate such conveyances. Obtaining one requires a whole different set of skills than a regular driver’s license. Given the higher standard needed to drive a commercial vehicle, the laws of New York are that much harsher for those who face charges of driving with a CDL. In the Empire State, if you have a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.04% or higher, you may face charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. If you face charges of driving under the influence with a commercial driver’s license, please read on, then contact an experienced Spring Valley DWI defense attorney to learn what are the penalties for a CDL DUI in New York.

What penalties do you face for a CDL DUI in New York?

Depending on the number of times, if any, you have previously sustained convictions for this or similar offenses, you will face increasingly severe penalties. The penalties for drunk driving with a commercial driver’s license are as follows:

1st offense commercial driver’s license DUI:

1-year automatic suspension of your commercial driver’s license
$500 to $1,000 in fines
Up to 1 year in jail

2nd offense commercial driver’s license DUI:

Permanent automatic suspension of your commercial driver’s license
$1,000 to $5,000 in fines
5 days to 4 years in jail

As you have probably noticed, the penalties for driving while intoxicated with a commercial driver’s license are quite severe. While New York does offer hardship licenses, they are not available to those who drive for a living. As a result, you may be unemployed during the whole of your license suspension.

How can a New York criminal defense attorney fight a CDL DUI?

A skilled Rockland County criminal defense attorney can lodge the following arguments:

Police did not have probable cause to arrest you
Authorities conducted an improper arrest or testing procedure
Credible defense witnesses can attest to your being sober
The testing equipment was malfunctioning

Without you being aware of it, the police may have violated your constitutional rights. As such, everything they touch will become suspect, and you may see a reduction or even a dismissal of your charges. Our firm will fully apprise you of your rights and responsibilities and provide effective guidance. Do not go it alone. Give us a call today.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED ROCKLAND COUNTY FIRM

Kevin T. Conway has over 30 years of experience as a Spring Valley criminal attorney handling DUI, DWI, traffic violations, violent crimes, sex crimes, illegal gun possession, shoplifting, and juvenile crimes. Attorney Conway is also experienced in commercial law matters, zoning law, and estate planning. If you need a Rockland County criminal lawyer, contact our Spring Valley office for a free consultation.