Phoenix Commercial DUI Lawyer
Protecting Your Driving Privileges After a DUI
The state of Arizona takes driving under the influence (DUI) very seriously. If you have been arrested for DUI while operating a commercial vehicle, you could face harsh penalties, including the loss of your driving privileges. At MayesTelles PLLC, our Phoenix commercial DUI attorney can provide you with the legal representation you need to fight your DUI charges and protect your driving privileges.
If you have been arrested for DUI while operating a commercial vehicle, contact our Phoenix commercial DUI attorney at (602) 428-7104 for a free consultation.
What is a Commercial Driver?
A commercial driver is someone licensed to operate vehicles used for commercial purposes. These drivers typically transport goods, passengers, or hazardous materials for a variety of industries. Commercial drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which requires additional testing and qualifications beyond a regular driver's license.
Here are some common types of commercial drivers and the vehicles they operate:
- Truck Drivers: Truck drivers operate large trucks for transporting goods over long distances. This category includes various types of trucks such as:
- Semi-Trailer Truck Drivers: Also known as tractor-trailer or big rig drivers, they haul freight in trailers attached to semi-trucks.
- Delivery Truck Drivers: They drive smaller trucks for local deliveries, transporting goods to businesses or residences.
- Dump Truck Drivers: They operate trucks designed for transporting loose materials such as sand, gravel, or construction debris.
- Bus Drivers: Bus drivers transport passengers on scheduled routes or chartered trips. They may operate different types of buses, including:
- City Bus Drivers: They drive public transportation buses within cities or metropolitan areas, picking up and dropping off passengers at designated stops.
- School Bus Drivers: They transport students to and from school, adhering to specific routes and safety protocols.
- Coach or Tour Bus Drivers: They drive buses for long-distance travel, such as tours, charters, or intercity transportation.
- Taxi and Ride-Hailing Drivers: These drivers provide on-demand transportation services to passengers using taxis, ride-hailing apps, or similar platforms. They operate vehicles such as sedans, minivans, or SUVs.
- Commercial Van Drivers: They drive vans for various purposes, including delivery services, transportation of goods, or passenger transport. These vans may range in size from small to large, depending on the specific needs of the job.
- Specialized Drivers: Some commercial drivers operate specialized vehicles for specific purposes, such as:
- Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Drivers: They transport hazardous materials, chemicals, or substances that require special handling and safety precautions.
- Tow Truck Drivers: They provide roadside assistance by towing disabled vehicles or transporting vehicles involved in accidents.
- Limousine Drivers: They chauffeur passengers in luxury vehicles for events, airport transportation, or other special occasions.
What Types of Penalties Can I Face for Commercial DUI in Arizona?
In Arizona, you can be arrested for DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. However, the legal limit for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders is .04 percent.
The penalties for a first-time DUI conviction include:
- A $750-$2,500 fine
- Jail time of up to 30 days
- A license suspension of 90 days
- A BAC test or an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle
- An assessment or education course
Additionally, you could lose your CDL for 1 year. However, if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time of the arrest, CDL disqualification is 3 years.
What Are the Penalties for a Second Commercial DUI in Arizona?
If you are arrested for a second DUI in Arizona, the penalties will be much harsher than a first-time DUI.
The possible penalties for a second DUI include:
- A $1,250-$3,000 fine
- A jail sentence of up to 90 days
- A license suspension of 180 days
- An assessment or education course
- An ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle
If you are convicted of a second DUI while operating a commercial vehicle, you could lose your CDL for life.
Other Consequences of CDL Suspension
In addition to criminal penalties, a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) suspension due to a commercial DUI can have significant repercussions:
- Loss of Employment: Most companies that employ commercial drivers have strict policies regarding DUI offenses. A suspension often leads to termination or suspension of employment, especially if driving is a primary job function.
- Difficulty Finding Future Employment: A DUI on a driving record can make it challenging to find future employment, particularly in industries that prioritize safe driving records. Many companies conduct background checks that include driving history before hiring commercial drivers.
- Insurance Premium Increases: Insurance rates are likely to increase significantly following a DUI conviction. For commercial drivers, this could result in substantial financial strain, as insurance premiums for commercial vehicles are often higher than those for personal vehicles.
- Loss of Income and Financial Hardship: Without a CDL, the individual may struggle to find alternative sources of income. This can lead to financial difficulties, especially if they are the primary breadwinner for their family.
- Limited Career Options: A CDL suspension due to a DUI may limit career options for the individual, as many jobs in the transportation industry require a clean driving record. This could force them to seek employment in other fields or pursue retraining for a different career path.
- Professional Reputation Damage: A DUI conviction can damage a driver's professional reputation within the industry, making it harder to rebuild trust with employers, colleagues, and clients.
- Lengthy Suspension Periods: Depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction, CDL suspensions for DUI convictions can be lengthy, ranging from several months to years. During this time, the individual may face significant challenges in maintaining their livelihood.
- Legal Costs: In addition to the criminal penalties, individuals facing DUI charges may incur substantial legal fees for defense attorneys and court costs. These expenses can further strain their financial resources.
Overall, a CDL suspension due to a commercial DUI can have far-reaching consequences beyond just the initial legal penalties, affecting employment prospects, financial stability, and professional reputation. It underscores the importance of responsible and safe driving behavior, especially for those in professions that involve operating commercial vehicles.
Ready to Fight for Your Rights & Future
Without your CDL, you cannot work, earn a living, and support your family. Let MayesTelles PLLC defend you against serious charges from start to finish.
To schedule your free consultation with our Phoenix commercial DUI lawyer, call (602) 428-7104 today.
We've Won Thousands of Cases
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Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving
Client R.C. was stopped by Mesa Police for a civil traffic violation and later charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI in a justice court. During the course of their representation, MayesTelles attorneys discovered important inconsistencies in the police reports. When we presented these issues to the State, the prosecutor’s office agreed to drop all DUI charges.
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Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accident
MayesTelles Client A.F. and her husband tragically lost their unborn child as a result of the negligence of an individual operating a commercial vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. After substantial investigation including accident reconstruction and filing a lawsuit, the insurance company paid out the policy limits of $1,000,000.00.
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4 Counts of Aggravated DUI Dismissed
Client M.W. was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated DUI in the Maricopa County Superior Court in July 2016 for allegedly riding a motorized bicycle under the influence. The attorneys at MayesTelles demanded that the State include certain materials in their presentation to the grand jury, resulting in the grand jury refusing to indict and the case being dismissed.
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Client Charged with DUI
Client, GS, charged with DUI - sentence was reduced to reckless driving.
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Client Facing Assault Felony
M.L. was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 dangerous felony. She plead guilty to Aggravated Assault, a class 6 undesignated felony, with a stipulation to 3 months of initial jail. She received credit for 32 days and the rest of the jail time was deferred. She was placed on 3 years of supervised probation. She has the opportunity to designate the offense a misdemeanor after successfully completing probation. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with DUI
Our client, A.R, was charged with 1 count of DUI and 1 count of Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. During extensive pre-trial investigation, it was discovered that the police made many errors in how they handled the case. We were able to get the client's charges reduced to reckless driving. Location: Glendale City Court
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Client Charged with Four Felony Counts
Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Trespass & Assault
Our client, T.C., was charged in Maricopa County Superior Court on July 8, 2015 with 1 count of Criminal Trespass, a class 6 felony, and 1 count Assault, a class 2 Misdemeanor. On September 9, 2015, after an 8-day jury trial, our client was found not guilty on both charges. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Shoplifting
Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
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Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Disorderly Conduct
Our client, K.F., was charged with Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get this client's case dismissed. Location: Tempe Municipal Court
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Client Facing Multiple Criminal Charges
Our client, L.S., was charged on October 20, 2014 in Mesa for an assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. MayesTelles PLLC was able to get those charges dismissed.
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Client Facing Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses
Our client, Ms. C., was facing charges of assault / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), disorderly conduct / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), and criminal damage / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor). We were able to get our client's case dismissed. Location: Mesa Municipal Court
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Charged with Assault & Failure to Appear
Our client, L.S., was charged in Phoenix on December 27, 2014 for assault and failure to appear. After completing diversion, our client's case was dismissed.
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Multiple Felony Theft Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
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Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
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Available to Our Clients 24/7
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Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
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AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys