Commercial DUI/DWI Lawyer in East Brunswick

Dedicated to Defending Your Rights as a Professional Driver

In order to obtain and keep a commercial driver’s license, as well as continue to operate their unique vehicles, commercial drivers must stick to specific standards, many of which are federal mandates. A single violation of those standards, no matter how slight it may appear to be, can jeopardize a commercial driver’s license status, and, therefore, their personal well-being and finances. As New Jersey uses laws considered quite strict compared to other states, it can seem unfairly harsh for commercial drivers who find themselves facing a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge. In some cases, a single conviction can be enough to lose your commercial driver’s license.

If you are a commercial driver—especially one who operates large trucks or 18-wheelers—you cannot take a commercial DUI/DWI sitting down. You need to protect your rights and your career with an East Brunswick DUI lawyer like me, Attorney Ryan E. Gilbert.

I have a long history of handling DUI/DWI-related cases, such as:

• First DUI/DWI
• Second DUI/DWI
• Drugs & DUI/DWI
• Underage DUI/DWI

From traffic violations and misdemeanors to felony vehicular manslaughter cases, I can manage it all. Call (732) 391-6563 today.

Commercial Drivers & Unique BAC Levels

Part of the reason commercial drivers face such severe consequences if convicted of DUI/DWI charges is the sheer size of the vehicles many of them operate. A semi-truck can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds, 20 times that of the average automobile. A truck accident with something so large can have devastating consequences, such as severe injuries or extensive damage to property.

Thus, the criminal justice system and law enforcement agencies have tipped the scales against commercial drivers. Whereas most other most other motorists are considered intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, truckers are held at a standard of half that amount, just 0.04%. This begs the question: is it really twice as difficult to operate a commercial vehicle, especially after you have been trained specifically to do so?

Heavier Vehicles Are Slammed with Heavy Punishment

On top of the stricter BAC level requirements commercial drivers are subjected to, there is an additional rule that states they may not drive within four hours of consuming alcohol, regardless of how little they may consume. Additionally, if you are convicted for a DUI that occurred while you were driving your own car—not a commercial vehicle—it can affect your commercial driver’s license all the same and create a lookback period for repeat offenses. All of these specifics equate to more chances to inadvertently skirt the edge of the law, and more chances for a commercial driver to be hit with steep penalties.

Consequences you could be facing if arrested for a commercial DUI/DWI include:

• Permanent license suspension
• Thousands of dollars in fines
• Loss of employment
• Time-consuming DUI courses

Needless to say, even the minimal punishment of losing your license for one year can put a major detriment to your well-being as a commercial driver. After all, your ability to drive is your ability to earn income for you and your family. With such a great deal put on the line, you should defend yourself with a highly-experienced New Brunswick DWI attorney such as myself.

To get situated in the right direction, contact the Law Offices of Ryan E. Gilbert, LLC today and learn your legal options.