Ottawa County CDL DUI Attorney

Ottawa County CDL DUI Attorney

As compared to other motorists, Michigan commercial drivers face stricter laws and tougher penalties when it comes to drunk driving. In addition to fines, jail time, and license suspension, a CDL DUI conviction has serious implications for your livelihood. When you’re unable to legally drive, you cannot practice your profession and contribute financially to your household. Every day you’re not on the road is money out of your pocket.

Our CDL DUI attorneys at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office know the stakes are high for commercial drivers who have been arrested for drunk driving. We have more than 27 years of experience defending clients charged with DUI, assisting them throughout the criminal and administrative proceedings. Our Ottawa County, MI legal team has extensive knowledge of state laws and penalties regarding Michigan CDL DUIs, and we’re dedicated to helping you get back on the road as soon as possible.

Strong Defense for Commercial Drivers Arrested for DUI in Michigan

Michigan law is tough on any type of CDL violation, and drunk driving cases are no different. Many commercial drivers are unaware that they don’t even need to be operating a commercial vehicle in order to trigger severe penalties: Driving any vehicle while impaired or over the legal limit could result in a CDL DUI conviction.

Other Michigan statutes on CDL DUI laws include:

• The legal limit for commercial drivers is lower than other motorists. You are considered legally drunk at with a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of .04 percent rather than .08 percent.
• You may receive an immediate, automatic out-of-service status for 24 hours if you refuse to take a breath test, or if you consume alcohol while operating a commercial vehicle or within four hours beforehand.
• Operating Under the Influence of Drugs (OUID) is also illegal, so you face the same laws and penalties that apply for a drunk driving conviction.

Extensive Penalties for a CDL DUI Conviction

Your CDL will be suspended for one year for any first time drunk driving conviction or refusal to submit to a chemical test. The suspension is three years if you were hauling hazardous materials at the time of your arrest. Subsequent offenses may lead to revocation of your CDL for a minimum of ten years.

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Ottawa County, MI CDL DUI Attorney

If you’ve been arrested for CDL DUI in Michigan, a conviction impacts more than just your driving privileges and wallet. Your career and income are on the line when you’re unable to legally drive, which can put you and your entire family in difficult financial straits. The best strategy for fighting the charges is to retain an experienced CDL DUI lawyer right away. Our legal team at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office has represented many commercial drivers in drunk driving cases, so please contact us at 616-698-0000 to discuss your case. You can also read more about our services or schedule a consultation in our Grand Rapids, MI office by visiting our website.