Will you lose your CDL after a DUI charge?

For most people with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), their license represents their livelihood. Losing a CDL means you can no longer do your job.

For commercial drivers, a DUI charge is a serious offense in Colorado. Here is what you need to know about the penalties for commercial drivers.

A DUI charge is a major offense

Certain driving offenses are major violations for someone with a CDL. If you are charged with a major violation, you face a one-year suspension of your CDL. One year is a very long time for a commercial driver. The offenses that are considered major include:

• Having a BAC level of .04 while driving a commercial vehicle
• A DUI charge while driving a personal vehicle
• Refusing to take a breathalyzer or blood test
• Driving while drug impaired
• Leaving an accident scene
• Driving your commercial vehicle with a revoked or suspended license
• Committing a felony in your commercial vehicle
• Causing a death while driving due to negligent operation of your vehicle

For commercial drivers, a conviction for DUI has serious consequences, even if you were charged while driving a personal vehicle. If you are found guilty of a major violation a second time, you lose your CDL for the rest of your life. That is why it is so important to defend yourself and your livelihood against a DUI charge.

A DUI charge does not guarantee a conviction. An experienced criminal defense attorney examines the evidence in your case and helps you mount a defense. An attorney also negotiates on your behalf and will fight to get you the best possible outcome. A DUI conviction does not have to ruin your commercial driving career, and you do not have fight the charges alone.