Phoenix Commercial Driver DUI Attorney
Arrested for Drunk Driving with a CDL in Phoenix or Scottsdale? Reach Out.
Being arrested for DUI is always serious. Convictions can come with jail time, fines, and license suspensions of 30 days minimum. These consequences are tough but can be even more severe for those driving with a commercial driver's license (CDL). If you have been arrested for DUI while behind the wheel of a semi-truck, bus, or another commercial vehicle, your license could be revoked for a year or longer, jeopardizing your career. Even if you were arrested for driving a non-commercial vehicle (e.g., your personal car), the consequences could still impact your ability to maintain a CDL.
Although the cards may seem stacked against you after a DUI arrest, The Koplow Law Firm can help. Leveraging 20+ years of experience and know-how gained from being a former prosecutor, I fight tirelessly for individuals who may have made mistakes or found themselves in a bad situation. Should you want to learn more about my office and how I may be able to preserve your driving privileges and CDL, get in touch.
Call (602) 560-7837 or contact The Koplow Law Firm online to partner with a renowned commercial DUI lawyer in Phoenix. Request your consultation today.
The Consequences for DUI with a CDL in Arizona
Our state's DUI laws are much stricter for those with CDLs. For example, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is typically 0.08%. However, if you hold a CDL, the limit drops to 0.04%.
Other differences include the following:
- When you have your standard driver's license suspended after a DUI arrest, your CDL will also be suspended for a year
- If you are convicted of a second DUI, you will have your CDL suspended for life
- According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, even if you were not driving a commercial vehicle, you could be barred from holding a CDL for one year after a DUI
- While a DUI conviction does not prevent you from obtaining a CDL, you must complete your DUI sentence before applying for a CDL
Standard DUI Penalties
The consequences above are in addition to standard penalties for DUI in Arizona. Being arrested for driving drunk or under the influence of illegal/prescription drugs in a commercial vehicle is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, this offense will result in:
- No less than 10 days in jail
- No less than $1,250 in fines
- Mandatory alcohol screening, treatment, and education
- Required use of a certified ignition interlock device (IID)
- Community service
A conviction for a second offense is more severe. It results in no less than 90 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, and a 12-month license revocation. Similarly, courts will order community service; alcohol screening, treatment, and education; and the use of a certified IID.
Will You Lose Your Job if You Get a DUI with a CDL?
The impact of a DUI conviction with a CDL can be far-reaching. Beyond the legal consequences, you could also face employment repercussions.
Arizona employers are often required to perform background checks on commercial drivers before hiring them and may continue to conduct these checks throughout employment. A DUI conviction while holding a CDL will show up on your driving record, which could cause you to lose your job or make you ineligible for future employment as a commercial driver.
Additionally, many insurance companies may consider a DUI conviction a high-risk factor and either increase premiums or refuse coverage altogether. This could make it difficult to maintain employment as a commercial driver.
Why Trust Your Case with The Koplow Law Firm?
The Koplow Law Firm has a reputation across Arizona for breaking the status quo and, in doing so, successfully preserving clients' right to drive and ability to make a living. Should you trust your case with my team and me, you can count on receiving services that cater to your concerns and goals. Most importantly, you can expect to be represented by a Phoenix commercial DUI attorney who employs creative strategies founded on unparalleled experience in DUI law and impressive legal acumen.
Thousands have turned to The Koplow Law Firm, many needing someone to protect their CDL. You can confidently do the same. Call (602) 560-7837 today.
Hear From the People We’ve Helped
Testimonials and Reviews
At The Koplow Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Great trial attorney."
Lawrence is tenacious, relentless, and extremely passionate about his clients and their cases. He leaves no stone unturned in his investigations, and his cross examinations are grueling. His knowledge of the science of DUI's and the testing procedures is unsurpassed. Great trial attorney.
- Jesse S. -
"Unquestionably one of the top DUI/ criminal defense attorneys in Arizona."As a practicing attorney in DUI and criminal defense, and as a former prosecutor who went against Lawrence on several cases, I can attest that the State knows they will have their hands full when Lawrence is on the case.- Ryan M.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."
Great attorney! Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.
- Charity C. -
"No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does."Lawrence is the best lawyer I have ever met. If your career is on the line then he is the guy. No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does. I will be forever grateful!- Greg S.
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"It was miracle!"
It was miracle!... A lot of people don't really understand the benefit of having an attorney who used to be a prosecutor. They know all the little tricks and scare tactics the state has as opposed to just hiring an attorney who is a little fish in a big pond.
- Joe C. -
"One of the best."Lawrence Koplow is one of the best DUI and vehicular defense attorneys in the state of Arizona. Anyone would be extremely fortunate to have him as their advocate.- Jack L.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.- Charity C.
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"Nobody knows the court and laws better than him."Lawrence represents very high-profile clients who greatly depend on a good outcome, and this guy will deliver. This is a prosecutors' worse nightmare, and it should be that way if you need an attorney.- David E.
DUI Library
The best DUI defense stuff that only a few know and none want to share. A one of a kind annotated resource for lawyers, people accused, or anyone who wants to see what’s going on in our justice system with DUI cases… and how to fix it.
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Scottsdale DUI Definitive GuideScottsdale DUI Definitive Guide
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The Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUIThe Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUI
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Field Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI CasesField Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI Cases
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Traffic Stops in Arizona DUI CasesTraffic Stops in Arizona DUI Cases
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Warrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI CasesWarrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI Cases
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Right to Counsel in Arizona DUI CasesRight to Counsel in Arizona DUI Cases
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Failure to Preserve EvidenceFailure to Preserve Evidence
