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Commercial DUI in New Jersey

Bergen County Criminal Defense Attorney – (201) 574-7919

Do you make a living being a commercial truck driver or operator of another commercial vehicle, like a courier van or even heavy construction equipment? If you are arrested and charged for driving while intoxicated (DWI), you could lose both your civilian driver’s license and your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Act fast to protect yourself, your livelihood, and your career by contacting our Bergen County DWI lawyer at Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC.

Some reasons clients choose to work with our legal team are:

  • 30 years of legal experience
  • We have a 10.0 “Superb” Avvo rating
  • We achieved an AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®

Find out what we can do to protect you. Schedule a FREE consultation today.


Reduced BAC Limits for Commercial Drivers

The average driver in New Jersey is considered illegally intoxicated if they are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or more. For those who hold a CDL, the limit is reduced down to just 0.04%. Many truckers with a low alcohol tolerance could enjoy one drink on their dinner break and get back to work, feeling sober but technically be illegally intoxicated. In addition to drinking responsibly, it is crucial to know how to defend yourself if you get a DWI, starting with being able to contest BAC results.

Three behaviors or mistakes that can make a BAC report inaccurate include:

  • Indigestion: It has been found through various studies that simply burping or feeling heartburn after drinking can spike a person’s BAC level as it is recorded by a breathalyzer test. Police need to closely monitor a driver for 15 to 20 minutes before applying such a test to ensure that indigestion does not throw off the results. If they do not conduct this waiting period, the test could be unusable.
  • Poor calibration: BAC testing devices are notorious for hiking results due to poor calibration. Machines need to be routinely maintained to get accurate readings of a person’s BAC level.
  • Mishandled: If a blood sample is used to determine someone’s BAC, it needs to be handled precisely and with the highest laboratory standards. If not, it could become contaminated and unreliable.

Your Career Is On the Line – Defend It!

Drivers of commercial vehicles can be penalized with high fines and jail time for a DWI or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction, like most other drivers in New Jersey. The added penalty comes from losing their CDL and quite possibly losing their jobs. If you cannot come to work for an extended period of time – a first DUI offense will remove licenses for 3 to 12 months – there is nothing that says your employer needs to keep you on staff and wait for your return.


Take action by creating a legal defense with our Bergen County DWI attorney. Call (201) 574-7919 now.


 

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "The best lawyer I could have ever asked for"

    The best attorney I have ever met in my life. I was facing four felony gun charges and ended up paying a $100 fine with a ...

    - Patrick
    "An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends."

    He handled my case effectively. An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends. He displays a lot ...

    - Recent Client
    "TRUST me and go to him if you need anything, he won't let you down"

    My experience was beyond amazing. I always thought going through the court process and finding a lawyer would be the hardest ...

    - Recent Client
    ""the superior court judge issued a written order reversing the municipal court's guilty decision""

    Our son was arrested and charged with DUI in early December of 2015. We got a lawyer who helped us gather evidence (arrest ...

    - Anonymous Client
    "You and your staff were exemplary in your efforts and performance."

    Dear Joseph: I wish to thank you and the staff for all of your efforts, professional knowledge and timeliness in performing ...

    - Criminal Client
    "Outstanding Legal Professional"

    As a Case Management Consultant, I have referred a number of clients to Mr. Donahue over the years. He is an outstanding ...

    - Advocacy Support Network LLC
    "restored my faith in lawyers"

    Mr. Donahue defended me in DWI,it would have been my 3rd.I would have lost DL for ten years and 180 days in jail. I would ...

    - Ken
    "Outstanding Litigator"

    I am a legal consultant who works with many of the top criminal defense lawyers primarily in Northern and Central New Jersey. ...

    - Client
Our Trial-Tested Approach

We always strive to put our clients in the best position possible, so our immediate goal is to obtain a case dismissal or acquittal. If this cannot be done, we seek to minimize the consequences by all legal means possible, perhaps by pursuing a plea agreement, which could include alternate sentencing that improves the impact on our client’s record. Our Bergen County criminal defense attorney is a resolute advocate who never hesitates to take a case to trial if we feel it is in the best interests of our client. No matter how complex your charges may be, we have the proven expertise and passion to help you achieve a positive outcome. Discover how we can help you today.