Ludington CDL DUI Lawyer

Ludington CDL DUI Lawyer

For a commercial driver in Michigan, a conviction for DUI can have grave consequences. Not only do you face the same jail time and fines as other drivers, but you also risk losing one of your most valuable assets: Your commercial driver’s license. You and your family rely on your CDL for income, so a suspension for DUI affects your financial stability. Every day you’re not on the road is a missed business opportunity and money out of your pocket.

Our CDL DUI attorneys at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office understand the seriousness of your situation, which is why we’re committed to helping you fight drunk driving charges. Over the last 27 years, our Ludington, MI lawyers have accumulated significant experience and in-depth knowledge of Michigan’s tough laws on CDL DUI cases. We’re at your side throughout the criminal and administrative proceedings, so you can get back on the job as soon as possible.

Fighting for the Rights of Commercial Drivers Arrested for DUI in Michigan

Michigan law is strict when it comes to any type of CDL violation, and it’s no less harsh on drunk driving offenses. Many CDL holders aren’t aware that they don’t even need to be driving a commercial vehicle for serious penalties to apply: Even operating your personal vehicle while impaired or over the legal limit could lead to a CDL DUI conviction.

Other key provisions of Michigan’s CDL DUI laws include:

• A CDL holder is subject to a lower bodily alcohol content (BAC) limit than other drivers. You are considered legally drunk at .04 percent compared to .08 percent.
• A CDL holder who consumes alcohol while operating a commercial vehicle or within four hours beforehand may be immediately, automatically placed out-of-service for 24 hours. The same penalty applies if you refuse a breath test.
• Operating Under the Influence of Drugs (OUID) is also against the law, so the same laws and penalties apply as with alcohol-related offenses.

Higher Stakes for a CDL DUI Conviction

The first time you are convicted on any drunk driving charge in Michigan or refuse to submit to a chemical test, your CDL will be suspended for one year. If you were hauling hazardous materials at the time of your arrest, the suspension increases to three years. For a second, third, or subsequent offense, your CDL will be revoked for a minimum of ten years.

Trust a Ludington, MI Attorney to Defend Your Rights

For more information on CDL DUI cases in Michigan, please contact our Van Den Heuvel Law Office at 616-698-0000 to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer. You can also check out our website to schedule a consultation at our Grand Rapids, MI office. Considering the severe consequences of a drunk driving conviction for a commercial driver, it’s important to retain legal counsel who will protect your rights and financial interests. You do have options, and our attorneys can work with you to develop a strong defense strategy to CDL DUI charges. We’ve represented many CDL clients in drunk driving cases, and we can help you, too.