Whether you went out with a few co-workers for happy hour or got caught driving home after a night out, you are facing drunk driving charges. You were nervous at the time of arrest, and now, after sobering up, you are even more frightened by the repercussions.
In addition to the criminal penalties you are facing, which may include jail time, fines and driver’s license suspension, you are concerned that you will lose your job. You worked hard to get where you are today, and you are worried that one mistake will derail your career.
Employers may react differently
The repercussions you face will depend on your employer. In some cases, an employer may not be aware that an employee has a DUI charge on their record. However, employers do have a right to conduct background checks on current or prospective employees.
On the other hand, commercial vehicle or truck drivers will face a set of limitations.
What happens to your CDL?
Those who have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must follow more strict guidelines than the average person. No matter what vehicle they are driving, even if it is their personal vehicle, their BAC cannot be higher than .04.
A CDL driver may face criminal charges if they drive with a blood alcohol content exceeding the limit. The consequences of a DUI conviction for CDL drivers may include:
- One-year CDL suspension for a first time DUI charge
- Second or third-time offense result in a CDL revocation of at least 10 years
- The DUI conviction remains on your CDL record for 55 years
CDL drivers who face a suspension automatically get their license back after a year, whereas those who have their CDL revoked will have to re-apply.
Note that the repercussions of a drunk driving charge that CDL driver faces are in addition to the criminal penalties that all licensed drivers are subject to.
