Many people in East Grand Forks enjoy having a few drinks after a long day of work or on a weekend night out. For most, this activity is benign, especially if their rate of consumption is slow. Yet, if your job requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL), consuming several drinks in a row can be perilous. If an officer stops you and determines you are driving under the influence (DUI), any charges you receive could have a profound impact on your career.
The relationship between DUI charges and CDL privileges
In both Minnesota and North Dakota, CDL holders can receive DUI charges if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.08%. For this to happen, though, they must have been driving a commercial vehicle during the offense. CDL holders in both states, in this case, could face DUI charges if a police officer finds that their BAC is 0.04% or higher.
CDL holders can face serious legal penalties even after a first-time DUI offense. This remains true whether the offense happened in their commercial or personal vehicle. In either case, in both Minnesota and North Dakota, they will have their CDL revoked for one year. This period increases to three years if they were transporting hazardous materials while under the influence. For second-time DUI offenses in both states, CDL holders will face a lifetime disqualification from operating commercial vehicles.
Protecting your CDL after receiving DUI charges
As a CDL holder in Minnesota or North Dakota, your DUI charges could also lead to professional consequences. A first-time offense could make it difficult to hold your job or find employment. And any subsequent DUI convictions you receive could force you to change careers, due to the disqualification of your CDL.
If you receive DUI charges as a CDL holder, you will want to fight to retain your commercial driving privileges. A criminal defense attorney can help you determine your options for protecting your license and your career.
