Your Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL) Consequences Upon Conviction for Any Driving Under the Influence (High BAC, OWI, Impaired)

Being convicted of any crime can be a lifechanging event. Criminal convictions and DUI convictions for driving under the influence (OWI, Impaired Driving) can preclude employment and educational opportunities. For example, heath care professionals (nurses, doctors) in Michigan are required to report DUI and criminal convictions to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). LARA will determine if the offender will be disciplined and be required to attend a substance abuse program. CALL ABDO LAW if you are charged with any DUI or criminal matter anywhere in Metro Detroit (Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, St. Clair).

CALL: Metro Detroit: 586-412-5555

For those with a Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL), both the career and livelihood are on the line upon being convicted of any DUI offense.

A Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL) is a license to operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, 16 or more passengers or any hazardous material.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses are regulated by the Michigan Secretary of State. The Secretary of State imposes sanctions against the CDL based upon the severity of offense. Refusing The following convictions will result in 1 year loss of CDL privileges (3 years if transporting hazardous material):

• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
• Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)
• Refusal to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, urine) for alcohol or drugs pursuant to the Implied Consent Law.
• Operating Under the Influence of Drugs (OUID)
• Reckless Driving
• Operating with a CDL, BAC .04 to .08

CDL Suspension Does not Jeopardize Operator’s License

A person may continue to operate a vehicle on an “operator’s license” while a CDL is under a suspension. However, driving on an “operator’s license” is subject to limitations based upon any suspension and/or restrictions imposed for the underlying charge. The following license sanctions are imposed upon the “operator’s license” of a person convicted of a driving under the influence offense in Michigan:

• OWI: Suspended for 30 days, followed by restrictions for 150 days.
• OWVI: Restricted for 90 days, no suspension or lapse in license.
• High BAC OWI .17 or More: Suspended for 45 days, followed by restrictions for 320 days with the BAIID device (breathalyzer ignition interlock device).
• Reckless Driving: Suspended for 90 days, no restrictions.

All Secretary of State DUI license sanctions are mandatory and cannot be superseded by the court system. The offender is notified of the sanctions by the Secretary of State within about 7 to 14 days from the date of the court conviction (guilty plea or verdict).

Indefinite revocations: Indefinite revocations are for a minimum period of one (1) year before a person is entitled to a driver’s license restoration hearing before the Driver Appeal and Assessment Division to obtain driving privileges.

Get an Attorney to Navigate the DUI Laws and Fight for Your Rights

Do not hesitate to contact our firm if are being charged with driving under the influence and have a profession license or CDL. Our DUI lawyers have represented clients in every Metro Detroit Court located in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair Counties. ABDO LAW will partner up with you to formulate a plan which always includes:

• Being proactive with your court case and licensure issues by recommending a substance abuse program (when applicable).
• Ordering the police report and test results which will enable our DUI lawyers to give you a realistic assessment of your case.

ABDO LAW has received the highest national ratings from Martindale Hubbell, AVVO and Lawyers.com. We are most proud of our client reviews such as this one:

“As you search though the thousands of lawyers out, look no further. Cy, Matt, Joe and Zack are the purest examples of honesty, respect, and caring out there. They will go above and beyond for you. I am forever grateful for them all.”

In Wayne County, you may be facing a DUI in City of Detroit, the Grosse Pointes or Westland, areas with a high number of DUI cases. In Macomb or Oakland, the communities of Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Royal Oak, Chesterfield Township, Auburn Hills, Rochester and Troy tend to be areas with active police departments that make a high percentage of DUI arrests. ABDO LAW can help if you have a DUI in any Metro Detroit Court. You can even retain us over the internet if an appointment is not possible or convenient.

EMAIL or CALL Abdo Law for a FREE CONSULTATION. Phone messages after business hours are forwarded to our attorneys. We offer same day, evening, weekend appointments and the ability to retain us over the internet. Payment plans and all credit cards accepted.

CALL: Metro Detroit: 586-412-5555