Houston Commercial DWI Attorney

Commercial DWI Lawyer Proudly Serving Houston and Surrounding Areas

Houston Commercial DWI LawyersIf you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you need to know that the laws in Texas have dramatically changed for you in particular. In order to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Improvement Act, Texas has amended the penalties for commercial drivers who are convicted of DWI. Our Houston commercial DWI attorney will help you better understand the offense of a DWI and defend your rights.

Your CDL may be Suspended/Disqualified for Reasons Including:

  • Alcohol/drug-related offenses and DUI/DWI.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident you were involved in.
  • Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding or reckless driving.

Penalties in Texas

Your Texas CDL will be disqualified for at least one year in the case of:

  • An alcohol-related offense.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident.
  • Being involved in a felony.

Your Texas CDL will be disqualified for at least three years for your 1st offense when your commercial vehicle contains hazardous materials in the case of:

  • An alcohol-related offense.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident.
  • Being involved in a felony.

Additionally,

  • Your CDL will be disqualified permanently on your 2nd
  • 60 days: For two serious traffic offenses within three years.
  • 120 days: For three serious traffic offenses within three years.
  • Life: If you use your commercial vehicle in a felony.
  • If the Department of Safety (DPS) suspended your Texas commercial drivers license (CDL), you’ll need to satisfy your suspension requirements to reinstate it.

DWI for Commercial Drivers Could Result in a Loss of Your Livelihood

As our Houston commercial DWI attorney sums it up, current Texas law states that for those commercial license holders who get a first or subsequent DWI, even if a non-commercial vehicle was used during the DWI, that driver will lose his or her commercial drivers license for a minimum of one year in addition to the other penalties received under the DWI laws. After a second offense, the driver loses the commercial license for life, although reinstatement may be applied for after 10 years. Be aware, however, that out of state convictions also count, and that Texas will suspend your license for life upon a second conviction once the other state reports a DWI to Texas. Call our Houston DWI Attorney for some guidance.

Additional Federal Regulations that Apply to CDL Holders

In addition to state laws, CDL holders are also subject to federal regulations. These are controlled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and include the following:

  • License disqualifications and fines for violating out-of-service orders.
  • Suspensions and disqualifications ranging from 60 days to life for violations and convictions including:
    • Violating railroad-highway grade crossings.
    • Excessive speeding and reckless driving.
    • DUI/DWI.
    • Leaving the scene of an accident.

You must also notify your employer immediately if any of the above occur.

Call the Office of Paul Darrow Today

If you have a DWI, do not delay; call the law office of Houston Attorney Paul Darrow today and protect your livelihood. Paul’s experience as a former prosecutor brings a wealth of experience to his practice in Houston and he uses this knowledge and experience to fight for his clients. He brings a wealth of experience to his criminal defense practice and knows how to get results for those he is defending. If you are facing charges of a DWI or other alcohol-related offense, call Paul Darrow to set up a free consultation today!