CDL DUI Lawyer in Southern Illinois
If you drive for a living, a DUI charge is more than a legal headache—it’s a direct threat to your livelihood. At Combs Waterkotte, our Southern Illinois DUI defense attorneys understand what's at stake when your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is on the line. A single mistake could cost you your job, your license, and your future. We're here to help protect it all.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Southern Illinois and hold a CDL, call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll fight to keep you on the road.
CDL DUI Laws in Illinois
Illinois holds CDL drivers to a higher standard than non-commercial drivers. While the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for most drivers is .08%, CDL holders are subject to a limit of just .04%—even while operating a non-commercial vehicle. If you're convicted or even just fail a chemical test, the consequences are immediate and harsh, including:
- Automatic one-year disqualification of your CDL (first offense)
- Lifetime disqualification for a second offense
- Criminal penalties including fines, jail time, and probation
- Significant impact on your current and future employment
Even a first-time DUI conviction could mean trouble for your career. That’s why quick action and experienced representation are absolutely essential.
How We Defend CDL Holders Against DUI Charges
At Combs Waterkotte, we take a thorough, aggressive approach to defending commercial drivers. Every case is different, but we consistently explore every available angle to challenge the prosecution’s claims. Our DUI defense strategies include:
- Questioning the legality of the initial traffic stop
- Identifying errors in field sobriety or chemical testing procedures
- Examining video footage from dashcams or body-worn cameras
- Challenging the reliability of BAC testing equipment
- Uncovering constitutional violations or Miranda rights errors
We understand the federal and state regulations that apply to CDL holders and use this knowledge to find the best possible resolution—whether that means dismissal, reduction of charges, or reinstatement of your driving privileges.
Administrative Penalties for CDL DUI in Illinois
Aside from criminal consequences, CDL drivers face automatic administrative penalties through the Illinois Secretary of State. These include:
- Disqualification of your CDL for one year after a first DUI conviction or failed test
- Three-year disqualification if you were transporting hazardous materials
- Lifetime disqualification for a second DUI offense or refusal
It’s critical to request a hearing within the required time frame to contest the license disqualification. Our attorneys handle this process for you, represent you at hearings, and fight for your ability to stay behind the wheel.
How to Get Your CDL Back After a DUI in Southern Illinois
Getting your CDL reinstated after a DUI in Southern Illinois is not automatic—and the process is far more complex than restoring a standard driver’s license. Illinois enforces strict rules for CDL holders, and even a first-time DUI can trigger a one-year disqualification. A second conviction? Lifetime ban.
To pursue reinstatement of your CDL, you must typically:
- Serve the full disqualification period (usually 12 months for a first offense)
- Complete a drug and alcohol evaluation and any recommended treatment or education
- Maintain a clean driving record during your suspension
- Pay reinstatement fees to the Illinois Secretary of State
- Request a formal CDL hearing to demonstrate that you are no longer a risk to public safety
At Combs Waterkotte, we guide CDL drivers through every step of this process. From handling your DUI defense to preparing you for the reinstatement hearing, our goal is to restore your commercial driving privileges—and your livelihood—as quickly as possible. If your CDL is your career, we’re the team to fight for it.
