• Driving Privileges

Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Penalties

A holder of a commercial driver's license (CDL) has more at stake for certain types of criminal convictions. In many cases, a holder of a CDL could lose the license and his/her source of income as the result of a conviction regardless of the type of vehicle used when committing the offense. Many people do not realize their commercial driver's license is at risk even if they committed a crime in a noncommercial vehicle.

Criminal Convictions Involving Noncommercial Vehicle Can Disqualify CDL

If you possess a commercial driver's license, the law can have harsh penalties if you are convicted of certain criminal offenses even though the offense occurred while driving a noncommercial vehicle. Under federal law, holders of commercial driver's licenses can be disqualified for specific offenses committed while operating a noncommercial vehicle. These offenses include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance (DWI in Missouri, DUI in Illinois).
• Leaving the scene of an accident.
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony. Use of a noncommercial vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of a controlled substance does not result in disqualification.

The disqualification period for these offenses is the same as if the criminal offense(s) had occurred during the operation of a commercial vehicle.

Criminal Convictions Involving Commercial Vehicle Can Disqualify CDL

The law specifically states committing certain criminal offenses will result in disqualification of a commercial driver's license. Criminal offenses that will result in disqualification include:

• Driving a commercial motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle operated by the person.
• Using a commercial motor vehicle to commit a felony, other than felonies involving manufacture, dispensing, or distribution of controlled substances.

CDL Penalty For Criminal Conviction

A first time conviction of these criminal offenses will result in the disqualification of a commercial driver's license for a period of no less than one (1) year. If any of these offenses occur while the driver is transporting hazardous material in certain quantities, the disqualification period is three (3) years.

If you or a loved one has been charged with any of the offenses described above, it is imperative that you seek representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. The law has harsh penalties for CDL holders who commit specific criminal offenses.

Contact us online or call 314.621.0622 (877.621.0622 Toll Free) for a FREE consultation and learn how the law applies to your specific situation. As former police officers and a former prosecuting attorney, we know potential pitfalls in the investigative process. As criminal defense attorneys, we know how to afford you protection under the law. Our education and experience mak a difference.

The Missouri Criminal Defense Attorneys of Millikan Wright LLC focus serving the needs of the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. On the Missouri side, our criminal lawyers defend people in St. Louis city, St. Louis county, Jefferson county, Franklin county, St. Charles county, and Lincoln county. On the Illinois side, our attorneys represent people hurt in Madison county, St. Clair county and Monroe county.