Los Angeles DUI and Commercial Driver's Licenses

Los Angeles DUI And Commercial Driver’s Licenses

There are special provisions in California State and Federal law that deal with people with commercial driver’s licenses who are convicted of DUI. If you are a truck driver or otherwise need a commercial driver’s license for your job and you have been charged with DUI, there are several matters you have to take into consideration.

California Vehicle Code 23152(a) prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. California Vehicle Code 23152(b) makes it illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more. These laws apply to all drivers in California, regardless of what type of license they carry.

Vehicle Code 23152(d) prohibits commercial license drivers from driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or higher. A commercial driver license is a license that permits someone to drive and operate various classes of commercial vehicles. Class A and Class B driver’s licenses allow the operation of commercial vehicles and Class C permits the carrying of hazardous material.

A prosecutor must prove Los Angeles Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol charges against a commercial driver just as he or she would have to against any other driver. District attorneys generally rely on the testimony of the arresting officers or any other witnesses that may have been present, the results of a chemical DUI breath or blood test, and records from the DMV showing that that the person charged holds a commercial driver’s license.

It is important to remember that commercial drivers are held to a higher standard than the rest us. While the court penalties for commercial drivers convicted of DUI in Los Angeles are generally the same as those assessed to regular DUI drivers, a commercial driver’s license holder faces severe consequences as a result of a DUI conviction. Unlike regular drivers who can typically apply for a “restricted” license after 30 days have passed on their driver’s license suspension which allows them to drive to and from their job, commercial drivers are not eligible for a “restricted” commercial license. A commercial driver convicted of any first-time DUI will lose his or her commercial license for a year. A second DUI conviction will trigger a lifetime suspension of a person’s commercial driving privileges.

commercial driver’s license suspension

Because of the severe potential consequences facing commercial drivers charged with DUI, it is imperative to have an experienced, aggressive attorney on your side. Attorney Michael Kraut was a deputy district attorney for over 14 years who realizes how devastating a DUI conviction can be for a commercial driver. Mr. Kraut will aggressively defend your case and leave no stone unturned to ensure you have the best defense possible. Contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney today to set up a free consultation 24/7 at (323) 464-6453.

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Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
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I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
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Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
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Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
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Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.