Criminal Violations Involving a Commercial Driver’s License

People who drive commercial vehicles as part of a business operation have special, strict rules that apply to driving violations. If you have a CDL and have been cited or charged with a traffic violation, you need a top defense attorney to help you.

CDLs are required for most commercial drivers.

CDLs may only be obtained by anyone who can pass the CDL knowledge and skills test the Secretary of State requires. There is no requirement to take a class or training program; if you pass the test, you may get a CDL. A person must be 21 years old to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) across state lines or transport hazardous materials and 18 years old if the driver stays within state lines and does not transport hazardous materials. Additionally, all people seeking a CDL must obtain and possess a medical examiner’s certificate, proving they are in acceptable physical and mental condition. Criminal violations involving a CDL can have a tragic impact on a person’s career, and a defense lawyer must do everything humanly possible to get charges dismissed or reduced.

Who must possess a CDL?

CDLs are required for anyone who:

Operates a vehicle with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more;
Tows a trailer or other vehicle with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more;
Drives a vehicle transporting 16 people or more (including the driver);
Operates a CMV carrying hazardous materials.

There are many alcohol-related violations involving a CDL; some are criminal, and some are not. A criminal conviction related to a CMV can result in jail, probation, and loss or suspension of the driver’s commercial driver’s license. Also, most criminal CDL violations cannot be expunged in Michigan.

A 24-Hour “Out-of-Service Order” (no operating a CMV for at least 24 hours) will be issued if a CDL driver:

Refuses a preliminary breath test (PBT);
Consumes alcohol within 4 hours of operating a CMV;
Consumes alcohol while operating a CMV;
Has a bodily alcohol content of .015 or more.

Suspensions and Revocations in Addition to a 24-Hour Out of Service Order:

First Offense OWI or PBT Refusal: 1-year suspension of CDL;
First Offense OWI While Transporting Hazardous Material: 3-year CDL suspension;
Second or Third OWI: 10-year revocation of CDL.

It should be noted these punitive actions by the Secretary of State are mandatory. The driver cannot go to the Secretary of State or a court and appeal or seek restricted driving privileges for most criminal violations involving a CDL.

Serious Traffic Violations with a CDL

Traffic violation penalties are divided into categories: Category I and II. Category II violations tend to be more serious and have more severe consequences. Because of the public safety implications of commercial driver’s license violations, criminal prosecutors tend to be unyielding. Judges seek to impose harsh penalties that will serve as a deterrent to other operators with a CDL.

Category I Violations:

A violation resulting in death
Excessive speeding
Following too closely
Improper lane use
Reckless driving
Changing or using lanes erratically or improperly
Operating a commercial motor vehicle without obtaining any vehicle group designation
Operating a commercial motor vehicle without either having an operator’s or chauffeur’s license in the individual’s possession

If convicted, your CDL will be suspended for 60 days for any two violations in separate incidents in three years or suspended for 120 days for any three or more violations in separate incidents in three years. Additionally, points may be added to your driving record.

Category II Violations:

Operating Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Leaving the scene of a CMV accident
Committing a felony using a CMV
Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony
Driving a commercial vehicle while license is revoked
Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer
Criminally or negligently causing a commercial vehicle-related fatality

A CDL will be suspended for one year for a first offense (3 years if transporting hazardous materials) and revoked for 10 years for any two (2) violations within any time period. If convicted of reckless driving, negligent homicide, or misdemeanor fleeing and eluding a police officer, a CDL will be suspended for one year. Felonious controlled substance offenses involving a CMV will result in a 10-year revocation. Criminal violations involving a CDL typically carry heavy driver’s license sanctions.

The stakes are high for those charged with criminal violations involving a CDL.

With most traffic offenses and drinking and driving offenses, a person faces potential jail, thousands of dollars of expenses, counseling, community service, and probation. Regarding CDL license violations, the stakes include the possibility of losing your career. Retaining the best and most experienced defense attorney you can find is in your best interest. Saving money in the short term by hiring a bargain attorney will potentially cost you far more in the long run.

The Law Firm That Will Protect Your CDL if You Face a Criminal Violation or Allegation

At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we pride ourselves on our ingenuity and ability to save clients from dire consequences. We know how to fight alcohol-related charges and traffic offenses to render the best results for the client. We know how much your career means to you, and we will do everything possible to protect it. Give us a call for a free consultation. We will explain how we can help you.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.