DUI and Commercial Truck Drivers in Virginia
DUI and Commercial Truck Drivers in Virginia
The act of driving any vehicle while intoxicated is extremely dangerous, as drinking while driving significantly increasing the risk of accident. When the intoxicated driver is the operator of a large truck, such as a semi-truck or other big rig, the risk of catastrophic damages increases dramatically.
Because the dangers of operating a large truck are so great when the driver is intoxicated, the laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and commercial vehicle operation are stricter than they are for the operation of traditional passenger cars. If you are a commercial truck driver, consider the following information about DUI laws in Virginia, the consequences you may be facing if you are charged with and convicted of a DUI as a commercial truck driver, and how the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Pack Law Group can help.
Commercial Drivers Are Held to a Higher Standard Under Virginia Law
Drivers of standard passenger vehicles that are being used for non-commercial purposes in the state of Virginia are prohibited from operating a vehicle when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 percent or greater.
However, for drivers of commercial vehicles in the state, the percentage of alcohol that a driver is allowed to have in their blood while operating a vehicle and still acting within the confines of the law is lowered to a mere .04 percent. This law is found in Section 46.2-341.24(B) of Virginia Motor Vehicle Code. To put that into perspective, for the average person, a BAC of .04 percent can be reached after just one or two drinks (depending upon weight).
Penalties for a DUI Conviction for Commercial Drivers in Virginia
The act of driving while under the influence as a commercial driver is harshly penalized in the state of Virginia. If a commercial driver is convicted of a DUI for having a BAC of .04 percent of above, potential consequences could include:
- Commercial vehicle license suspension;
- Potential jail time;
- A large fine;
- Potential requirement to attend an alcohol education class; and
- Permanent mark on your criminal record.
For those who make a living by driving a commercial vehicle, a DUI could ruin their career. Even if your ability to legally operate a commercial vehicle is restored after a year (the amount of time you may be prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle depends upon the details of the DUI offense), it is unlikely that a trucking company will want to hire a driver with a DUI on their record. This means that when you are convicted of a DUI, you may not only lose the respect of the people around you and have to pay large fines and potentially spend time in jail, but you may also lose your job and your ability to find work in the future permanently.
How Our Experienced Commercial DUI Attorneys in Virginia Can Help You
At the offices of the Pack Law Group, our experienced commercial DUI attorneys can help you if you are facing commercial DUI charges, and your career and your future are on the line. We can help you build your defense, as well as help you protect your rights – remember, a DUI charge is not the same as a conviction. We assist you in understanding your legal options, including potential defenses to your DUI and the possibility of pleading guilty in exchange for lesser charges or sentencing.
There Is a Lot on the Line – Contact Pack Law Group Today
Being charged with a DUI, no matter who you are, is a very serious offense. For commercial drivers that make a living by operating a large truck, a DUI can be negatively impact your ability to make a living.
At the Pack Law Group, our experienced Virginia DUI attorneys understand what you are going through. We know how much is on the line, and we want to help you secure the best outcome for your case possible.
Our skilled Virginia DUI attorneys have experience representing Virginia commercial truck drivers who aren’t sure where to turn after being charged with a commercial DUI. We will work hard on your behalf, showing you compassion and understanding as we aggressively defend you against the DUI charges, making certain we defend your constitutional rights.
To learn more about how we can help you, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us today. You can reach us online or by phone at (540) 586-7225 – we answer the phone seven days a week, 24 hours a day!
