As a commercial driver, a DUI charge can have serious repercussions. A conviction can directly impact your professional license and ability to work. Furthermore, a DUI while driving a commercial vehicle can lead to more severe and long-lasting penalties.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Pennsylvania, here are some important things that you should know.
Greater penalties
If you are a commercial driver, you may face longer jail sentences and costlier fines than Class A and B drivers with DUI convictions. A first offense will typically result in an automatic year-long suspension of a commercial driver’s license. A second offense can also result in a year-long suspension, but jail sentencing and fines increase. Two or more serious violations may be grounds to permanently revoke a CDL license.
Lower thresholds
The state’s legal limit for blood alcohol content is .08% for most drivers, but that limit falls to .04% when you are operating a commercial vehicle. A BAC of 0.08% or greater while driving a commercial vehicle represents a higher level of intoxication and a greater degree of the offense.
Limited remedial options
Regular drivers with a DUI may be able to take advantage of state programs to reduce a license suspension. CDL drivers such as yourself cannot avail themselves of this remedy because the minimum length for a suspension is mandatory.
A DUI could prevent you from driving and working, so the financial harm from a conviction could be extensive. It is important that you identify the best legal strategies applicable to your situation to defend yourself in court.