Helping Clients Keep Their License and Freedom to Work

Being arrested for DWI in Texas can be stressful for anyone. However, if you have a commercial driver’s license, you probably have a lot more on the line than other drivers. If you drive commercial vehicles for a living, losing your commercial driver’s license (CDL) can put you and your family in immediate financial danger. A CDL DWI arrest should be taken very seriously, since these charges can permanently affect your driving record.

The good news is that CDL drivers facing DWI can hire a Houston CDL DWI attorney like those at our law firm for legal guidance and representation. While the outcome of your case depends on many factors, we can promise that we’ll do everything possible to prevent you from being convicted. Our Houston DWI lawyers have helped many commercial drivers maintain their driving privileges and continue to provide for their families.

At Enrique Ramirez Law, PC, we believe in helping our clients understand their charges and building strong strategies to defeat them. We’ll help you know what to expect at each stage of the legal process so you’re never caught off guard. We will also be there to support you during the police investigation, negotiations, the courtroom experience, and beyond.

Call 713-987-7705 now to schedule a free consultation with our talented legal team.

How Are CDL DWI Cases Different from a Normal DWI?

When you drive commercial vehicles for a living, you operate large machines that could potentially do a great deal of damage if you lose control. For this reason, Texas law holds CDL drivers to a higher standard than other drivers. Being arrested for DWI is serious for anyone. But CDL drivers may face a conviction if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is higher than a mere 0.04%. This differs from the 0.08% that other drivers are not allowed to exceed.

In addition to being held to stricter standards, CDL holders may face immediate and automatic CDL suspension. Texas law mandates that a CDL driver who is arrested for DWI be disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle for at least one year. Please note that, if you were carrying hazardous materials in the commercial vehicle, your restriction may last up to three years. As you can imagine, being restricted from driving a commercial vehicle can significantly impact your ability to work and may even threaten your job.

If you or a loved one is a CDL holder under DWI arrest, please don’t hesitate to contact our DWI attorneys. We will act quickly to protect your license and seek a favorable outcome whenever possible.

What Are the Consequences of a DWI Conviction When You Have a CDL?

A DWI arrest for a CDL holder can lead to devastating consequences. In addition to the one-year automatic CDL suspension mentioned previously, a person convicted of CDL DWI charges may face various legal penalties. Some examples include serving a jail sentence and being charged thousands of dollars in fines. You may also suffer from immediate termination, depending on the policies at your workplace.

Some long-term consequences can affect your personal and professional life following a CDL DWI. A conviction can lead to a lifelong restriction from holding a CDL. The stress and embarrassment of CDL DWI charges can impact your family, social, and professional life for years to come. CDL holders convicted of drunk driving may also experience higher insurance costs.

The best way to get a chance at a favorable outcome and avoid a DWI offense is by contacting a Houston CDL DWI attorney as soon as possible during the legal process. Don’t let a commercial DWI upend your entire life. Fight for the outcome you deserve by calling Enrique Ramirez Law, PC today.

What Strategies Can Work to Protect Drivers in a CDL DWI?

If you are facing criminal charges for exceeding the legal limit as a CDL driver, please don’t lose hope. You can still defeat your charges and fight for your license. Our law firm has helped many drivers avoid automatic suspension and continue with their driving career, despite CDL DWI charges.

Some methods we can use to protect your freedom and ability to work include:

  • Illegal DWI arrest – If law enforcement officers failed to protect your constitutional rights during the arrest, this is a major flaw that could lead to your charges being reduced or dismissed.
  • Inaccurate tests – Testing equipment for legal alcohol limits can be notoriously inaccurate. Our attorneys are skilled at finding issues with the calibration and maintenance of breathalyzers, blood tests, and chemical testing.
  • Rehabilitation – Another strategy to avoid the maximum sentencing for a commercial truck driver who exceeded the legal limit is to apply for rehabilitation to lower the DWI offense.

Protecting your Texas commercial driver’s license is paramount for CDL drivers. Each situation is unique, so please contact our criminal lawyers to learn about your options for stopping the CDL suspension process. We’ll use our legal knowledge and skill to create a defense strategy that matches your needs and goals.

Should You Hire Our CDL DWI Defense Lawyers in Houston?

Choosing the right criminal defense firm can make all the difference in your Harris County DWI case. If you are a CDL holder, are facing a second DWI offense or higher, or have other aggravating factors, please call us immediately. We’ll help you navigate the complex legal process to avoid accidental self-incrimination. We also promise to do everything possible to protect your driver’s license and get you back on the road and back to work.

Contact Enrique Ramirez Law, PC, for compassionate and honest DWI lawyers who will fight for you. We speak Spanish and are ready to handle even the most complex cases. Contact us at 713-987-7705 to schedule a complimentary, confidential consultation today.