Driving under the influence is a criminal offense, no matter where in the US you are or what sort of license you hold. For most drivers, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. However, for those who operate commercial vehicles – large trucks and buses that serve the purpose of transporting goods and/or passengers – the legal limit is actually quite lower. If a commercial driver is caught on the job with a BAC level above 0.04%, he or she will be charged with DUI.
Commercial Driver DUI Penalties
As with other DUI offenders, those convicted of a commercial driver DUI will face inhibiting penalties that can significantly change their lifestyles:
- Disqualification of commercial driver's license
- Jail sentence
- High fines
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Enrollment in an alcohol treatment course
- Probation
Unfortunately, you can also have your commercial driver's license disqualified if you are charged with DUI while driving a non-work vehicle outside of normal job hours. Such a loss could deal a devastating blow to your household's income. Therefore, it is very important for all commercial drivers who have been charged with DUI to seek legal counsel immediately. With the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney, you may be able to successfully challenge the disqualification.
Contact Us
If you are a commercial driver and have been charged with driving under the influence, then an experienced and qualified defense attorney can help you. Contact the Seattle DUI lawyers of Cowan Kirk today at 1-866-822-1230 to speak with us about forming your defense.
