Butler Law Firm: Can I Get A CDL And Have A DUI On My Record?
While you may have a DUI on your driving record, it is still possible for you to obtain a Commercial driver’s License or CDL. However, gaining a position with a business that requires this type of driver’s license may be more complicated. A large number of companies may not want to hire a person that has been convicted of driving while drinking, especially if the conviction is recent. Certain companies will look at a person’s record for the past three years of driving to determine if it is clean. Butler Law Firm covers some important information for anybody who is wondering whether they can obtain a CDL even though they have a DUI on their record.
1. A DUI On Your Record Within The Past Three Years
If you have obtained a DUI on your driving record within the past three years, then it is likely that the company you are applying to will not hire you for the position advertised. On the other hand, certain businesses may hire you following the year of having charges placed on your record. To determine what the regulations are, you need to speak with a person in company management. In some of US states, the CDL will be placed in suspension after a DUI; however, you can still apply for a CDL after a DUI conviction when the license suspension is lifted. As with the majority of legal situations, information varies according to the state’s legislation.
2. The Insurance Cost With A DUI
One of the results associated with having a DUI is that you will need to pay higher insurance premiums, as well as gain an SR-22 insurance policy. The SR-22 insurance policy, also known as an insurance certificate, is a type of liability insurance certificate required by the majority of state Motor Vehicle Departments. These DMV offices deal with ‘high-risk’ policies and are involved in the procedure of reinstating licenses.
3. How To Get A CDL License While Having A DUI
According to data, all professional truck drivers must adhere to specific licensing requirements, and once you have your CDL gaining a position requiring a CDL license will depend on your previous driving record. However, if the driving record has blemishes, such as a DUI, it will not prevent you from gaining a CDL; but, it could prevent you from gaining the job you are setting out for. If you have a DUI on your record, then attending a truck driving school can be beneficial for your application to a truck driving company. It is recommended that you are truthful when applying to the driving school as they can find out about DUIs when requesting your driving record. Be sure to read the questions carefully as they tend to ask if you have ever had a DUI. If the DUI offense was a long time ago, do not think that it will not appear on any insurance reports. Be sure to list everything on your applications. Butler Law Firm represents many DUI cases per year. If you are looking to speak with a professional at the Butler Law Firm don’t hesitate to call today.
4. Can I Obtain A Work Permit If I Am A CDL Driver, And I Have A DUI?
The majority of states permit DUI defendants to obtain driving privileges allowing them to drive to work and take care of their families. CDL drivers that are charged with DUIs, however, tend to not receive this exception and are not allowed to operate as commercial drivers. While these exceptions can be provided to drivers in non-professional capacities, the punishment of a driver who has a CDL license is always stricter. In most states, the driver charged with a DUI receives this charge when their blood-alcohol concentration, or BAC, is over the legal amount – typically, 0.08%. Some states have lower BAC standards applying to commercial drivers, and the BAC restriction can be 0.04%.
5. Making A Living Using A Commercial Drivers License
Workers who make living as commercial drivers will face significant non-criminal punishments when receiving a DUI charge. In the majority of states, the license of the driver is suspended when the driver is charged regardless of whether or not the conviction is made within the court. While other drivers face restricted suspension periods, the CDL driver can have their license suspended for a minimum of one year on a first conviction. Second convictions can result in the permanent removal of a CDL license. CDL drivers that are convicted of a DUI will face the same punishment as a DUI conviction for any other driving license. The punishments typically include financial penalties, jail time, and mandatory substance abuse rehabilitation programs, in certain cases. As with the majority of state regulations, the more times a driver receives a DUI conviction, the harsher the penalties received.
For related content check out the Butler Law Firm blog. If you have any questions make sure to contact us by calling (713) 236-8744.