Loudoun County Drug DUIs and CDL Holders

If charged with a drug DUI offense in Loudoun County while holding a commercial driver’s license the following is what you need to know. To learn more call and schedule a consultation with a Loudoun County drug DUI attorney today.

What Should Individuals Who Have Commercial Driver’s Licenses Know About DUI Drug Cases In Loudoun?

Virginia as a whole, including Loudoun County, takes DUID cases very seriously. There are special implications on your driving license and driving privileges if you have a Commercial Driver’s License, which is also known as a CDL. If you are a CDL driver and you have been charged under Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, whether it be prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, caffeine pills or opiates, it is important to contact an experienced DUID attorney right away. The DUI attorney will know how to defend cases involving CDL drivers and how the charge, the trial and or a conviction may impact your Commercial Driver’s License privileges.

If You Are Charged But Not Convicted Will They Lose Their Ability To Work?

No. If you are charged with a DUI offense, regardless of whether it is a DUID or DUI, you may face an initial imminent driver’s license suspension depending on the facts and circumstances of your case.

What Are The Consequences Against A CDL Holder In Loudoun?

If you are convicted of a DUI offense, whether it involves alcohol or drugs, and you are a CDL license holder, you will lose your Commercial Driver’s License. You are not eligible for a restricted license for Commercial Driver’s License privileges.

CDL drivers are held to higher standards because of the statute, which contemplates a more serious safety duty for those who have special skills to operate dangerous vehicles and heavy equipment.

Is There A Restricted License That Is Available For First Time CDL DUI Offender?

Pursuant to the restricted license statute, you are not eligible for a restricted license for CDL purposes if you are convicted of a DUI.  You may obtain a normal restricted license, but you would be unlicensed for CDL purposes.  This is because a CDL holder is held to a higher safety standard and there is in essence a zero tolerance policy for those who operate large vehicles and equipment capable of causing catastrophic damage if the operator is impaired.

What Can An Attorney Do For CDL Holders?

There are specific strategies that you will want to discuss that are fact specific if you are charged with a DUI or DUID offense and you have Commercial Driver’s License or CDL. Your CDL may be lost if you are convicted of a DUI offense, therefore the very best thing that you can do when you are charged with a DUI offense while you hold a CDL is to contact an experienced Loudoun County DUI or DUID attorney as soon as possible.

What Are The Long Term Implications Of A DUI Conviction On CDL Holders?

If you are convicted of a DUI offense and you have a CDL, you will likely forfeit that CDL. Over time, you may be able to earn that CDL back depending on the relevant rules that apply to your case from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

What Else Should CDL Holders Know About DUI Charges?

If you are convicted of a DUI and you are a CDL holder, you lose your CDL. In addition, you are not eligible for a restricted license for CDL purposes the way ordinary drivers are available to travel to work. In addition, the suspension period may be longer than the 1 year period depending on various factors required for CDL reinstatement by the Virginia DMV.