• Recognition

    For Skill & Commitment

    I have been given the honor of inclusion on the list of Texas' Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star

    About Troy P. Burleson [+]
  • Guidance

    From a Knowledgeable Attorney

    The smallest mistake could dramatically and adversely affect the direction of your case.

    Top 10 DWI Mistakes [+]
  • Real Results

    That Changed Lives

    I have consistently won over 70% of the cases I represent. Read about my victories!

    Case Results [+]
  • Contact Us

    Request a Consultation

    You only have 15 days to save your license! Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

    Start Your Defense [+]

Consequences of DWI for Commercial Drivers in Texas

Individuals who drive as part of their occupation could have their entire livelihoods at risk if they are convicted of driving while intoxicated, or DWI. If convicted, they could end up losing their commercial driving licenses (or CDLs), which means their ability to perform the jobs they are trained for come to a standstill. For that reason, it is vital for commercial drivers to obtain the counsel of a strong DWI attorney when they are accused of driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

In the United States, commercial driver's licenses are required for those who operate certain types of commercial vehicles, including vehicles of a certain weight and load capacity, vehicles that carry a certain number of passengers and vehicles that transport hazardous materials. Individual licensed to drive these vehicles, or commercial drivers, are held to a higher standard than others when it comes to impaired driving. A person can be arrested and charged with DWI if he or she was found to have been under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance while operating a commercial vehicle, or if his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.04% or higher at the time. (In contract, non-commercial drivers are given a higher legal threshold of 0.08%.) When a commercial driver is convicted of DWI, that individual can have his or her commercial driver's license taken away for one year, upon a first conviction, according to Texas Transportation Code §522.081.

A one-year loss of commercial driving privileges can also be given if the driver refused to submit to a blood or breath test that was requested by law enforcement after arrest. Furthermore, commercial drivers can have their commercial licenses taken away for a year even if they were convicted of driving a non-commercial vehicle while impaired (with a BAC of 0.08%).

A commercial driver's licenses can be lost for an even longer period of time when certain aggravating factors exist, such as when the vehicle that was being driven during the offense was carrying hazardous material that required placards, or special signs. A person can lose a commercial driver's license for an entire lifetime if the driver was convicted of DWI two or more times arising from two separate incidents, according to Texas law. This also applies if there is a combination of DWI-incidents arising from two different incidents (such as a combination of a DWI conviction with a refusal to submit to a chemical test).

While the loss of a commercial driver's license is not the only negative consequence that can occur from a DWI, it is definitely one that can have a major effect on an individual's life. Families can be negatively impacted when an income-provider is no longer able to work, even if it is for a limited period of time. In today's economy, finding another job can be extremely difficult, especially if the job seeker has been convicted of a crime.

If you are a commercial driver who is facing possible license suspension or revocation, don't hesitate to contact my firm, The Law Office of Troy P. Burleson. I am a Collin County DWI attorney who fully understands the state's laws regarding this offense. When working with my clients, I use defense strategies that are best suited for their case and that can lower their chances of being negatively affected by their charges. Whether you are a bus driver, trucker or some other type of commercial driver, I can provide you with the legal guidance you are looking for. Contact me today to learn about your legal options!

Categories: DWI
  • Recognition

    For Skill & Commitment

    I have been given the honor of inclusion on the list of Texas' Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star

    About Troy P. Burleson [+]
  • Guidance

    From a Knowledgeable Attorney

    The smallest mistake could dramatically and adversely affect the direction of your case.

    Top 10 DWI Mistakes [+]
  • Real Results

    That Changed Lives

    I have consistently won over 70% of the cases I represent. Read about my victories!

    Case Results [+]
  • Contact Us

    Request a Consultation

    You only have 15 days to save your license! Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

    Start Your Defense [+]