CDL DUI Attorney In Scottsdale
If you've been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Scottsdale, Arizona, your driving privileges and source of income might be in jeopardy. The regulations surrounding DUI offenses for CDL holders are harsher than for general drivers, meaning you could face a DUI charge in Arizona, even after consuming a small amount of alcohol. A conviction could revoke your CDL license, threatening your ability to provide for your family.
Attorney Adithya Bala has extensive experience managing DUI cases in Scottsdale, Arizona. Given the high stakes, selecting the right attorney is a critical decision. When you hire our law firm, we are determined to defend your rights and livelihood as a commercial driver. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn how we can help you.
Arizona CDL DUI Laws And Penalties
It's crucial to understand that if you hold a CDL license, you can face a DUI charge if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds .04 percent rather than the usual .08 percent in Arizona. However, this stricter threshold applies only when operating a commercial vehicle; if you're driving your personal vehicle, the standard .08 percent BAC applies.
If you are convicted of a first-offense DUI, your CDL will be suspended for a year, regardless of whether your vehicle was commercial or personal. Your regular driving license will also be suspended for a shorter duration of between 30 and 90 days.
The legal consequences don't stop there. You may also be required to fulfill additional requirements like mandatory alcohol counseling and probation. You will also be required to pay fines and associated fees. You may even need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle at your own cost. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver has had an alcoholic drink.
In the unfortunate event of a second DUI offense, a conviction could lead to a lifetime suspension of your CDL. As it's evident, the ramifications of a DUI conviction can be quite severe, substantially impacting your livelihood.
The penalties for a first DUI offense for a CDL are similar to those for holders of standard driver's licenses, which may include:
- Fines and fees amounting to around $2,000
- A compulsory minimum jail time of one day, potentially extending up to ten days (assuming your BAC was .08 or lower)
- Mandatory participation in court-ordered substance abuse programs
- A Class 1 Misdemeanor citation on your criminal record
- Loss of your Class A, B, or C CDL Licenses for at least one year
- A minimum of a 90-day suspension of your regular driver's license
- The requirement to install a state-approved ignition interlock device on your vehicle
When Do You Need To Notify Your Employer?
If you're a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holder in Scottsdale, Arizona, it's mandatory by law that you inform your employer within 30 days of a DUI conviction. This holds true regardless of whether you were driving a personal or commercial vehicle at the time of the offense. Even if the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) hearing is yet to occur, your obligation to report your DUI conviction remains. If your CDL license is revoked, suspended, disqualified, or withdrawn, you must inform your employer promptly, no later than the end of the next business day after receiving the notification.
