Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime at any time. Yet, for commercial drivers in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri, the consequences can be particularly severe. That is precisely why you need to speak with a CDL DWI Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte immediately if you have been arrested for or charged with a DWI. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review with one of our St. Louis CDL DWI attorneys.
The legal implications for a commercial driver charged with a DWI in St. Louis or Missouri are more stringent due to the potential risks associated with operating large commercial vehicles, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – dwarfing the size of passenger vehicles (3,500 pounds) and pickup trucks (5,000). One of the most strict is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limitation, which is .08 for “normal” drivers under Missouri Revised Statutes § 577.010, but only .04 for commercial drivers.
This lower BAC threshold reflects the higher standard of care expected from those responsible for driving larger, more potentially dangerous commercial vehicles in St. Louis and throughout MO. If you have been involved in a DWI, whether driving commercially or not, call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our St. Louis DWI attorneys can speak with you about the specifics of your case and offer their expert legal advice.
How Will a DWI Affect My CDL in St. Louis or Elsewhere in Missouri?
Here’s how a DWI can affect your Missouri:
- Suspension of Your Driver’s License
- Employment Consequences
- Increased Insurance Rates
- Legal Penalties
One of the first and most immediate consequences of your DWI is the suspension of your Missouri CDL for a minimum of one year. This is separate from any suspension or disqualification that may be imposed on your regular driver’s license. If you were transporting hazardous materials, your CDL is disqualified for 3 years for the first violation. If caught again, your CDL will be suspended for life. Unfortunately, unlike regular drivers, you can’t obtain a hardship or occupational license to operate a commercial vehicle.
A DWI conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of a CDL, immediately affecting your ability to work as a commercial driver and possibly leading to job loss. Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
A CDL DWI conviction can significantly increase insurance premiums or even result in the inability to obtain insurance coverage, making it even more challenging for you to return to work. In Missouri, you are required to file an SR-22 with your insurance as the result of a DWI. Insurance companies also often see DWI convictions as a sign of increased risk. A Combs Waterkotte lawyer can help fight your charges, getting them reduced to a fine or dismissed altogether.
Commercial drivers who are convicted of DWI in St. Louis or throughout Missouri face legal penalties, such as fines, potential jail time, probation, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs like Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP). These can have lasting effects on your career, personal life, and overall future.
Given the seriousness of a DWI charge for a commercial driver, seeking legal representation from an experienced St. Louis criminal defense lawyer is crucial. A knowledgeable attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help navigate the complex legal process, explore possible defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and work to minimize the impact of the charges on your life and future.
How Can I Protect My CDL After a DWI?
The best way to protect yourself is to hire a CDL DWI lawyer from Combs Waterkotte. You can have a free consultation by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online.
The best ways our attorneys can protect your CDL DWI in St. Louis or elsewhere throughout Missouri include:
- Challenge the legality of your traffic stop
- Challenge the field sobriety test
- Challenge the arresting officers’ credibility
- Challenge any blood or urine samples
Connect With a Leading CDL DWI Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
No matter the severity of your DWI charges, you need a capable St. Louis criminal defense attorney standing in your corner. Let Combs Waterkotte put our decades of experience and knowledge to work to protect you, your family, and your future.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation discussion with one of our CDL DWI lawyers.
