Santa Rosa Commercial DUI Defense Attorney

Ready to Protect Your Career & Rights

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we understand that a DUI charge can have severe consequences for commercial drivers. If you are a commercial driver facing DUI charges in Santa Rosa, CA, securing experienced legal representation is crucial. Our skilled attorneys specialize in defending CDL holders, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

To schedule an initial consultation, call (707) 986-4482 or fill out our online contact form today.

What is a Commercial Driver’s License?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a special type of driver’s license required for individuals operating large or heavy vehicles for commercial purposes. This includes truck drivers, bus drivers, and operators of vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates CDLs, imposing stricter standards than those applied to regular driver’s licenses. Due to the potential dangers posed by large vehicles, CDL holders are held to a higher standard of safety and responsibility on the road.

BAC Limit for CDL Holders in California

California law enforces stricter Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits for commercial drivers than for non-commercial drivers. While the legal BAC limit for most drivers is 0.08%, CDL holders are subject to a much lower threshold of 0.04% when operating a commercial vehicle.

Additionally, if a CDL holder is caught with a BAC of 0.04% or higher while driving a commercial vehicle, they may face immediate disqualification, even if they were not impaired. This strict limit is intended to promote safety on California’s roads but also means commercial drivers have little room for error.

DUI Penalties for Commercial Drivers

The penalties for a commercial DUI in California can be devastating, potentially ending a driver’s career. Consequences may include:

• First Offense: A CDL suspension of at least one year, fines, DUI education programs, and possible jail time.
• Second Offense: A lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL.
• Standard DUI Penalties: In addition to CDL-specific penalties, commercial drivers may face standard DUI consequences, including probation, increased insurance rates, and installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
• Job Loss: Many employers have strict policies regarding DUI convictions, which can lead to immediate termination.

Because commercial drivers rely on their licenses for their livelihood, fighting a DUI charge is critical to protecting their future.

Defenses Against a Commercial DUI Charge

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we use proven defense strategies to challenge DUI charges for commercial drivers. Potential defenses may include:

• Improper Traffic Stop: If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, the charges may be dismissed.
• Faulty Breath or Blood Tests: Breathalyzers and blood tests are not always accurate. We investigate whether the testing equipment was properly maintained and whether the test was administered correctly.
• Field Sobriety Test Errors: Officers often rely on subjective field sobriety tests, which may be challenged based on improper administration or outside factors like fatigue or medical conditions.
• Rising BAC Defense: Your BAC may have risen between the time you were stopped and when you were tested, making it an unreliable measure of impairment at the time of driving.

Our Santa Rosa commercial DUI attorneys will thoroughly examine the details of your case and build a strong defense to protect your livelihood.

Impact of a DUI on Your Commercial Driving Career

A DUI conviction can have long-lasting effects on your career as a commercial driver. Beyond the legal penalties, many trucking and transportation companies refuse to hire drivers with DUI convictions.

Insurance companies also view DUI convictions as high-risk, leading to increased insurance costs or difficulty obtaining coverage. The financial strain combined with job loss can make it nearly impossible for a CDL holder to continue working in their industry.

Because of these severe repercussions, you must work with a knowledgeable commercial DUI attorney in Santa Rosa to fight the charges against you.

Why Choose Our Team?

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting the rights of commercial drivers in Santa Rosa and throughout California. Here’s why you should trust us with your case:

• Experienced DUI Defense: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling DUI cases, specifically those involving CDL holders.
• Aggressive Legal Representation: We fight vigorously to challenge evidence, negotiate penalties, and protect your ability to work.
• Personalized Strategy: Every case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategy to your specific circumstances.
• Proven Track Record: We have successfully defended numerous commercial drivers against DUI charges, helping them keep their licenses and livelihoods.

Contact us today at (707) 986-4482 to let us get started on building your defense.