San Francisco, CA Commercial Driver DUI Defense Lawyer

Marin County Lawyer Defending CDL Holders Charged with Drunk Driving

In California, commercial driver's license (CDL) holders are treated far more harshly when they are arrested for DUI than those with Class C driver's licenses. In addition to heavy fines, penalties, DUI school, and possible jail time, a commercial DUI results in a suspension of your commercial driver's license for a minimum of one year. This means not only the loss of your driving privileges but the loss of your livelihood as well. If you are a CDL holder and you were arrested for drunk driving, you need an experienced DUI lawyer by your side aggressively advocating for your rights and interests.

For over 30 years, Burglin Law Offices, P.C. has successfully represented commercial drivers charged with DUI in Marin County and throughout northern California. Attorney Paul Burglin thoroughly understands the California DUI process, and the most effective defense strategies to avoid a conviction and ensure that CDL holders keep their licenses. Paul co-authors California Drunk Driving Law, a two-volume legal guide that is commonly referred to as "the Bible of DUI Defense." Paul is one of only five attorneys that is Board-Certified by the National College of DUI Defense, as approved by the American Bar Association, and he is the attorney frequently called upon by prosecutors, judges, and DMV hearing officers when one of their friends or family members is arrested for DUI.

Consequences for Commercial DUI in California

Commercial drivers in California are held to a much higher standard than motorists with standard Class C driver's licenses. For example:

• If you are operating a commercial vehicle, you can be charged for DUI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04, just half the legal limit for motorists operating non-commercial vehicles.
• If you are a CDL holder and you are convicted for any type of DUI, your right to operate a commercial vehicle is suspended for at least one year. This is true even if you were not operating a commercial vehicle when you were pulled over for DUI.
• If a commercial driver refuses to submit to a mandatory chemical test, he/she can lose the right to operate a commercial vehicle for at least one year.
• Unlike non-commercial drivers who are arrested for DUI, there is no option for CDL holders to obtain a restricted license during their suspension period.
• If this is your second or multiple DUI conviction within a 10-year period as a commercial driver, you may lose your CDL for life.

For commercial drivers, having their CDL suspended is far more than an inconvenience, it most often means the loss of employment. Even after the one-year suspension is up (assuming this is a first-time DUI), you may still have difficulty getting rehired or hired by a different employer if you have a criminal DUI conviction on your record.

Speak with a San Francisco CDL DUI Lawyer

Being charged with commercial DUI is not the same as being convicted. There are potential weaknesses in your case that an experienced DUI lawyer can use to have the charges reduced or dropped altogether. If you are serious about fighting the charges against you, however, it is best to take action as soon as possible. You only have 10 days from the time of your DUI arrest to request a DMV administrative hearing, and once that window has expired, your automatic driver's license suspension will go into effect.

Attorney Paul Burglin understands what is on the line, and he is committed to protecting your livelihood. For a free personalized consultation with attorney Burglin, contact our office today at 415-729-7300. We serve clients throughout the Bay Area, including Marin County, Tiburon, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo and Fairfax. We also help locals and tourists in Sonoma and Napa, as well as those cited in San Francisco, Oakland, and Martinez.