Is being charged with a DUI in a commercial vehicle different than in a personal vehicle?

Yes, being charged with a DUI in a commercial vehicle is different than in a personal vehicle. Drivers of commercial vehicles must adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for alcohol testing and impairment, which are more stringent than those for drivers of personal vehicles. This means that if you're arrested for driving under the influence while operating a commercial vehicle, you could face harsher penalties than if you were driving a personal vehicle.

What are the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels for commercial drivers?

For drivers of commercial vehicles, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level is 0.04%. This is significantly lower than the 0.08% BAC for drivers of personal vehicles.

How do I know if my vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle?

Any vehicle that is used for business purposes, including but not limited to delivery trucks, buses, and tow trucks, can be considered a commercial vehicle. If you are unsure whether or not your vehicle is classified as a commercial vehicle, it is best to check with the Department of Transportation or your state's laws.

What are the penalties for a commercial DUI?

The penalties for a commercial DUI vary depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offense. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to face fines, license suspension or revocation, jail time, and an increase in your insurance rates.

Who do I contact if I have been charged with a DUI while driving a commercial vehicle?

You should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney like Pat Brown as soon as possible. An attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action to take. In addition, they will be able to provide you with helpful advice and guidance throughout the legal process.

Main Office - (860) 321-7722

Toll Free - (800) 409-9937

paralegal@patbrownlaw.com

Commercial Driver DUI

DUI Defense For Commercial Truck Drivers in CT

Avon and New London Commercial Driver DUI Lawyers

Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs can forever change your life. However, if you are a commercial driver, this arrest can mean severe penalties, extra jail time, and even a suspension or disqualification of your commercial driver's license. You can't wait to seek legal assistance following a DUI charge, you should act quickly. Reach out to the Law Offices of Pat Brown today and let our legal team show you how we can help you.

Why Are Commercial Driver DUIs So Serious?

Drivers who have a commercial driving license are often held to higher standards on the road than other drivers. This is because the cargo and size of these vehicles can cause a lot more damage than your typical car. Consequently, when these drivers operate a vehicle under the influence, it can become a significant public safety concern and lead to severe consequences.

The Legal Process

In Connecticut, if an individual has a commercial driver's license or a CDL and has been found to have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .04% while driving a commercial vehicle, a BAC of .08% while operating any other type of motor vehicle, refuses to take a test to check their BAC, or has been convicted of a DUI, they can face serious consequences. These can include disqualification from operating their commercial vehicle for one year, as well as other serious consequences such as hefty fines and jail time.

The Law Offices of Pat Brown Can Help

As a former prosecutor, Attorney Pat Brown knows that preparing for trial as a prosecutor is vastly different than as defense counsel. As a result, knowing how prosecutors prepare to take on a case has helped him create even stronger legal defenses for those charged with a crime in Connecticut. Due to this extensive experience, knowledge, and resources, the Law Offices of Pat Brown is able to take on even the most complicated criminal cases.

Contact Law Offices of Pat Brown for Help With Your Commercial Driving DUI in CT

At the Law Offices of Pat Brown, we understand how overwhelming it can be as a commercial driver to know that your livelihood is at risk following a DUI. That is why our legal team is here for you, ready to take on this fight and help you defend your rights and freedom. Do not wait any longer. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

Contact Us Today

For more information call us at (860) 321-7722 or click the button below to contact us online.

Our DUI Services

For more information about commercial driver DUIs or to schedule a free consultation, call us at (860) 321-7722 or visit our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is being charged with a DUI in a commercial vehicle different than in a personal vehicle?

Yes, being charged with a DUI in a commercial vehicle is different than in a personal vehicle. Drivers of commercial vehicles must adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for alcohol testing and impairment, which are more stringent than those for drivers of personal vehicles. This means that if you're arrested for driving under the influence while operating a commercial vehicle, you could face harsher penalties than if you were driving a personal vehicle.
What are the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels for commercial drivers?

For drivers of commercial vehicles, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level is 0.04%. This is significantly lower than the 0.08% BAC for drivers of personal vehicles.
How do I know if my vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle?

Any vehicle that is used for business purposes, including but not limited to delivery trucks, buses, and tow trucks, can be considered a commercial vehicle. If you are unsure whether or not your vehicle is classified as a commercial vehicle, it is best to check with the Department of Transportation or your state's laws.
What are the penalties for a commercial DUI?

The penalties for a commercial DUI vary depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offense. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to face fines, license suspension or revocation, jail time, and an increase in your insurance rates.
Who do I contact if I have been charged with a DUI while driving a commercial vehicle?

You should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney like Pat Brown as soon as possible. An attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action to take. In addition, they will be able to provide you with helpful advice and guidance throughout the legal process.

See What Our Clients Have To Say

"I couldn’t have asked for better representation. Great attorney all around. Attorney Brown kept me in the loop throughout the whole process and was very quick to respond to my inquiries. I went into this case expecting a misdemeanor and they ended up getting the case dismissed. Very happy with my experience and I want to thanks everyone at this law for their great defense and again for their service."

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"You won't find a more honest & knowledgeable lawyer in CT! Has a real personal touch and really cares about his clients. Most lawyers see dollar signs before they see the person they are helping, but not Attorney Patten Brown...He ended up saving me a lot of money and even refused to accept payment after I insisted on paying him. Humble and an amazing lawyer... You don't get much better then this. I highly recommend his services. He will save you time and money!"

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