If you drive commercially and are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), seek legal help right away. Otherwise, you risk losing your job and suffering other long-lasting consequences. Fortunately, a Columbus commercial DUI lawyer can learn about your case and look for ways to contest the charge against you.
Koffel| Brininger| Nesbitt is a criminal defense law firm with more than 30 years of experience. Trust a Columbus DUI lawyer from our team to assist you with your case. Contact us today for more information.
What to Do if You Are Charged with a Commercial DUI
Hire a Columbus criminal defense lawyer who can discuss your legal options. Your lawyer will review your charge and answer any questions you have about it. They may encourage you to notify your employer about your charge.
Generally, there is not a specific time frame in which you are required to share details about your arrest with your employer. If you were driving a company vehicle, you may be required to tell your employer about your arrest. Ultimately, it may be best to err on the side of caution, let your employer know about your charge, and deal with the ramifications.
At Koffel Brininger Nesbitt, we understand how a commercial DUI conviction can impact you now and in the future. Our team will focus on getting you the best case results. Request a case consultation with us.
For a free legal consultation with a commercial dui lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100
Penalties for a Columbus Commercial DUI Charge
If you are convicted of driving under the influence, you risk losing your commercial driver’s license (CDL). You may have completed CDL programs and have a valid license. Regardless, your DUI conviction could lead to a license suspension or revocation, and you may not be able to work as a commercial truck driver.
With a first DUI conviction, you may have your license suspended for up to one year. The second time you are convicted of driving under the influence, you could receive a lifetime license revocation. In addition to these license-related penalties, you may be subject to jail time, a fine, or both.
A commercial DUI lawyer in Columbus can teach you about the penalties associated with your charge. Your attorney can provide insights into whether your license will be suspended immediately after a DUI in Ohio. They can explore legal strategies you may be able to use to get the charge against you reduced or dismissed.
Columbus Commercial DUI Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Differences Between a Commercial DUI Misdemeanor and Felony
Being charged with a DUI for the first time may result in misdemeanor penalties. These are less serious than those associated with a felony. They can include a jail sentence of up to 180 days and a fine of up to $1,075.
A DUI becomes a felony charge based on the number of past convictions you have and when they occurred. You can be charged with a felony if you have been convicted of driving under the influence three or more times within the past 10 years. Also, you can face a felony if you have had five or more DUI convictions in the past 20 years or received a prior DUI felony conviction.
Your attorney can offer information about what it means to “operate” a vehicle for driving under the influence and misdemeanor and felony penalties you may receive. They work diligently to gather evidence to support your case. This can help your lawyer develop an effective legal strategy.
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Defending Against a Commercial DUI Charge
A commercial DUI attorney in Columbus understands how overwhelming it can be to get arrested for driving under the influence. They may tell you not to panic and explain how to get out of a DUI charge in Ohio. Your attorney may consider several legal strategies for your case, including:
Challenging Why You Were Arrested in the First Place
Police officers must have probable cause if they want to pull you over while you are driving a commercial vehicle.
Your lawyer could raise doubts about why the police stopped you. If the prosecution cannot provide sufficient evidence to prove that there was a valid reason for pulling you over, it may be difficult for the court to convict you.
Disputing Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Test Results
If you agreed to a BAC test and the result indicates that you were driving a commercial vehicle under the influence, the police may believe they have a strong case against you. Yet, test results can sometimes be faulty. Your lawyer may build an argument that describes why your BAC test results could be inaccurate.
Highlighting How the Police Mishandled Evidence
The police may improperly collect or store evidence relating to your charge. If this happens, the evidence may be inadmissible. Thus, the prosecution may not have enough proof to get a conviction.
Your lawyer can discuss how often wrongful convictions occur in driving under the influence cases. They will look for ways to disprove the prosecution’s argument. In addition, they may pursue a plea deal on your behalf.
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What to Expect with a Commercial DUI Plea Deal
You could face criminal charges for driving under the influence. With a plea agreement, you may avoid severe penalties. The deal requires you to accept your charge in exchange for a lesser punishment than the one initially levied against you.
A plea bargain may be an option if you have been charged with driving under the influence for the first time. Your lawyer can let you know what a plea bargain entails and if they believe it is in your best interests to consider one. If so, they can negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution.
Unfortunately, a plea bargain does not mean that a DUI charge can be expunged from your criminal record. Your attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of a plea deal. They can address any concerns you have about this option and explain if they feel the prosecution has adequate evidence that may warrant a conviction.
Ask for Legal Help with Your Commercial DUI Charge
It is unrealistic to expect a commercial driving under the influence charge to go away on its own. Koffel Brininger Nesbitt offers legal services and support to those involved in commercial DUI cases. Discuss your case with our team.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
