Lake County Commercial License DUI Defense Attorney

Serving Buffalo Grove, Long Grove and Lincolnshire

While all DUI charges are serious, if you have a commercial motor vehicle license (CDL), the repercussions you may face should you receive a DUI conviction can be even more severe. Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt understands that you are likely very anxious regarding the outcome of your DUI charges, particularly if you have a CDL license. Our Buffalo Grove DUI defense lawyer has the unique perspective of being able to look at DUI offenses from both sides as he was a Cook County prosecutor before becoming a criminal defense attorney. He will spend the necessary time explaining your options and the possible repercussions of your offense and will fully answer your questions relating to your charges.

How an Illinois DUI Conviction Can Affect Your CDL License

First, CDL drivers in the state of Illinois are required to submit to certain tests which determine blood-alcohol levels. Further, the BAC limit for a CDL holder is 0.04 percent rather than 0.08 percent. While the average citizen has the right to refuse a blood alcohol test, any driver with a CDL license—whether operating a commercial motor vehicle or their own private vehicle—who refuses a blood-alcohol test or submits and tests above 0.04 percent will be disqualified from driving commercial vehicles for a minimum period of twelve months.

A CDL driver convicted of DUI, regardless of BAC, will be disqualified from driving commercial vehicles for a period of not less than twelve months. A CDL driver who was transporting hazardous materials at the time of the DUI stop who is convicted of the offense may not drive a commercial vehicle for at least three years. A CDL driver convicted of two DUI offenses will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for life. As you can see, not only will you suffer serious penalties if convicted of DUI, you could also lose your livelihood.

Potential Defenses to Your Illinois DUI Charges

While every case is different, and it is particularly complex to defend DUI charges for those with a CDL license, your attorney may be able to implement one or more of the following defenses on your behalf:

• If the police officer did not actually witness you driving, the issue may be debatable.
• If the police officer had no legal justification to stop you in the first place, any evidence may be deemed inadmissible.
• In the same vein, if the police officer failed to follow proper legal procedures during the arrest, any evidence gleaned from the traffic stop could be deemed inadmissible.
• Your attorney may be able to challenge the officer’s assessment of your behavior at the time of the traffic stop by offering an alternate theory.
• Witnesses may be brought in who observed your actions and behaviors around the time of the traffic stop or arrest.

Your Lake County Attorney Fighting Commercial DUI Offenses

Whether you are a truck driver, a bus driver, a taxi driver or even a chauffeur, you make your living with your CDL license. A DUI conviction can put your livelihood at risk, making it that much more important to speak to a knowledgeable attorney like Matthew R. Gebhardt.

Attorney Gebhardt has a thorough understanding of Illinois DUI laws as they apply to CDL holders as well as all other state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to commercial vehicles. Our Lake County DUI defense lawyer will aggressively defend you with a goal of preserving your CDL license. We understand just how high the stakes are for you, and are confident in our ability to look at your unique situation and build a solid defense on your behalf. For a free comprehensive evaluation, contact Matthew R. Gebhardt at 773-383-8745 or 847-239-4703 today.