Can I get a CDL in Michigan if I have a DUI?

You can get a CDL in Michigan with a DUI, but the DMV may deny your application if you are deemed to abuse drugs or alcohol.

What is the legal BAC limit for CDL holders in Michigan?

The legal BAC limit for CDL holders in Michigan is 0.04%, which is lower than the 0.08% limit for regular drivers.

What happens if I refuse a BAC test with a CDL in Michigan?

Refusing a BAC test as a CDL holder in Michigan results in an immediate 24-hour license suspension under implied consent laws.

How long will I lose my CDL for a DUI in Michigan?

A first DUI conviction results in a one-year CDL suspension, while a second offense leads to a 10-year disqualification.

What penalties can CDL holders face for a DUI in Michigan?

CDL DUI penalties in Michigan include fines up to $1,000, jail time, and long-term license disqualification.

Why is it important to hire a Detroit CDL DUI lawyer?

Hiring a Detroit CDL DUI lawyer is crucial because they understand the unique laws affecting commercial drivers and can help protect your license.

Home Detroit DUI Lawyer Detroit CDL DUI Attorney

Detroit CDL DUI Attorney

Q: Can a CDL DUI conviction affect future employment?

Yes, even if you retain your CDL, a DUI conviction can make it difficult to be hired by a trucking or transportation company.

The defense team at Davis Law Group is very knowledgeable in Michigan’s DUI laws, and we understand how they can affect your career if you drive for a living. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have been charged with a serious driving offense.

DUI Laws For CDL Holders Are More Strict

State and federal governments strictly regulate and monitor every aspect of the commercial trucking industry. A CDL disqualification can happen to somebody for many different offenses, and some of these incidents would be trivial or nonexistent for drivers who do not have commercial licenses. For example, many people know that the Michigan blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for most drivers is .08 percent. However, the Michigan CDL BAC limit is only .04 percent. It’s also important to understand that any other legal violation by commercial drivers can become much more severe if alcohol is involved. If you are at fault in an accident that injures someone, and it is found that you violated the state’s CDL alcohol laws, you can be facing the suspension or loss of your license just as if you were arrested for a DUI.

Further laws that apply to CDL holders include:

You cannot be under the influence of any amount of other drug or controlled substance.
It is illegal to consume any amount of alcohol while you are driving.
You may not legally drink any amount of alcohol within four hours before driving.

Can I Get a CDL with A DUI in Michigan?

If you have yet to acquire your CDL, you may be wondering if you are even eligible if you have a previous DUI conviction. State laws are harsh, and a there is a great incentive for both state and federal governments to keep intoxicated drivers from the road. Michigan CDL DUI laws do not explicitly prohibit you from being granted your commercial license. As long as you meet the state requirements, you can receive your CDL. However, Michigan law does allow for the Department of Motor Vehicles to deny a license to those who are considered to be abusing drugs or alcohol.

Our CDL DUI lawyers at Davis Law Group know how vital a CDL can be for your future, and we strongly encourage everyone to be honest about their past and background as they apply for their license. Lying about a previous conviction is very serious and will keep you from being awarded a license.

Faint white letters SBM and smaller text below on a light gray background, with low contrast making the text difficult to read.

Gray circular badge with scalloped edges featuring the text Lead Counsel Rated and the initials LC in the center, flanked by two stars.

There Are Many Harsh Punishments For A CDL DUI

Michigan law is written in a way that requires more responsibility from commercial drivers. Being held to a higher safety standard means that it’s easier for you as a CDL holder to be arrested and convicted of a DUI.

Being pulled over by police can be intimidating for anyone. When you drive in Michigan, you are subjected to the state’s implied consent laws regarding police stops. This means that you are consenting to give the police the ability to stop and test you for alcohol in your blood. If you refuse to undergo a BAC test, your license will be immediately suspended for 24 hours.

If you are found guilty of a DUI after your arrest, you can be subjected to severe consequences while also being in jeopardy of losing your ability to drive for a living. Every case is different, but the DUI consequences for CDL holders include:

Fines – You can be fined up to $500 for a first offense and $1000 for subsequent offenses. This does not cover the costs of regaining your CDL that might be forfeited upon conviction.
Jail time – A first DUI offense can result in up to 93 days in jail, and you can be facing years in prison if you are found guilty after having other previous DUIs on your record.
Loss of your CDL – A DUI conviction will result in your commercial driver’s license being suspended for one year, and a subsequent conviction will keep you from commercially driving for 10 years.

A Detroit CDL DUI Attorney Can Help You Keep Your CDL After An Arrest

Being found guilty of a DUI can be devastating, especially if you drive for a living. Many people wonder if they will still be able to have a CDL after a DUI, or if any past DUIs can prevent them from getting their CDL in the future. While you can legally have a commercial driver’s license if you previously had a DUI, a past conviction can make it difficult to be hired by a trucking company. It’s essential to call your CDL DUI defense attorney immediately after an arrest.

Our firm has helped many clients defeat a DUI charge that could have landed them in jail and cost them their license. While an arrest can be incredibly intimidating, an experienced attorney can put forth strong arguments in favor of your innocence. It’s possible that the police improperly detained you and tested your blood alcohol content or that their test equipment was defective. These are common problems, and they may result in your case being dismissed without a conviction. Building a strong defense can take time, and it’s therefore important to call your attorney without delay.

If you would like to speak with a skilled and compassionate Detroit CDL DUI attorney about your case, call Davis Law Group as soon as possible. You can contact our office today at (313) 818-3238 to arrange a no-cost case evaluation.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

Your initial consultation will always be free and confidential. Call us today or fill out the form and learn how Davis Law Group PLLC can help you.

Call (313) 818-3238 today

"*" indicates required fields