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CDL DWI Charges Have Serious Consequences in North Carolina

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As commercial drivers have responsibilities normal passengers car drivers do not, North Carolina laws are not kind when these highly skilled drivers cause accidents on our roadways.

The urgency for defendants to retain an expert DWI attorney increases because the charges, fees, career-ending ramifications, and jail time increase greatly when a coomercial driver is behind the wheel. We have discussed regular DUI charges before, yet Commer Driver’s License (CDL) DWIs deserve special consideration due to their more serious nature, and larger license penalties.

Who Governs CDLs, Anyway?

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act (CMVSA) sets the rules by which Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs) are administered and governed. CDL licensees must comply with CMVSA regulations, but North Carolina is given broad powers to modify the governing, issuance, and regulations of CDL licenses.

While there may be slight variations between states, it should be understood that CDL DWIs are serious, career-threatening violations. CDL licensees convicted of DWI offenses as operators, passengers, or who decline chemical testing when requested by the authorities will incur severe penalties and automatic suspension of their licenses. State judicial decisions regarding CDL DWI charges have little latitude, yet come with plenty to defend, as well.

Suspension is National, Not Regional

Once a CDL is suspended, it is suspended nationally, not just in the state where the offense was committed. Unlike the non-professional driver, a DWI for a CDL holder is a career-threatening offense. If you rely upon your CDL for your income and you are charged with a DWI, or refuse chemical testing or are a passenger when a DWI offense is charged, you need an experienced CDL DWI attorney in North Carolina.

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Because laws governing CDL operators are different than state laws governing DWI offenders without commercial driver licenses, the responsibility to understand the provisions of the CMSVA goes without saying. One vital component of the CMSVA may be of interest to defense attorneys:

“States are barred from masking, deferring adjudication or allowing an individual to enter a diversion program that would prevent a conviction for any violation, in either a CDL vehicle or passenger car or any motor vehicle law (except a parking violation) from appearing on the driver’s record.” – 49CFR 384.226

Quite honestly, CDL drivers are held to a higher standard of care than other vehicle drivers traversing North Carolina roadways. They should understand that and be prepared to defend themselves vigorously if charged with any offense, especially a DWI. The standards are high but, in many instances, experienced CDL DWI defense attorneys understand what specifically these trained motorists stand to lose, and can raise reasonable doubt about the charges, the facts, the testing, and even the breathalyzer.

One of the significant differences between non-commercial licensees and CDL operators is that the refusal to submit to a chemical test has much harsher ramifications than if you had refused while driving a regular car.

Fight for Your License

CDL suspensions can result in regular license suspensions, and vice versa. NCGS Section 20-17.4 outlines the penalties and outcomes of one, two, or more subsequent offenses. Do not take this charge lightly as your income, ability to drive, and freedom hinge on what steps are taken next.

If you have been pulled over while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, do not walk – run to an experienced CDL DWI defense attorney.

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Superior representation in DWI cases allows Rawls, Scheer, Clary, & Mingo to defend CDL licensees in matters in which income, freedom, and driving privileges are at stake. Call the firm immediately after arrest or release at 704-376-3200

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Your privacy is important to us. The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.