Commercial Licenses

At the Law Office of Mark A. Siesel in White Plains, New York, many of our clients rely on their driver’s licenses for their employment. Obviously, a loss of a driver’s license or driving privileges is financially devastating. The penalties for holders of Commercial Driver’s License’s (CDL’s) forDWI, DWAI, arefusal to take chemical tests, and certain other traffic infractions are much more severe and career threatening than for non- commercial drivers with personal licenses. This fact makes it even more critical that your attorney has the knowledge, background and experience to represent and advise you regarding your DWI charges. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel in White Plains, New York, we have represented numerous truck drivers, bus drivers, delivery personnel and cab drivers in contesting and minimizing DWI charges as well as Refusal charges against them.

It is particularly important to know, for example, that a driver holding a CDL, regardless of whether they are driving a commercial vehicle or their personal car at the time they are stopped for an alcohol related charge, faces at least a one year revocation of their commercial driver’s license upon a conviction or plea to any DWI charge, even the lowest level offense of a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired). Thus, even if there are no prior drunk driving offenses, the holder of a CDL, (who may be eligible to begin driving a personal car within 90 days, for example), will be unable to drive his or her truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle for at least one year, obviously placing his or her employment in serious jeopardy.

A refusal to take a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer is also very significant, with a CDL holder facing a minimum eighteen month revocation of the commercial driver’s license on a first refusal (a non commercial driver who is found to have refused is sentenced to a one year revocation), along with a $550.00 civil penalty (the penalty is $500.00 for a non-commercial driver). If the commercial vehicle is transporting hazardous materials, a refusal proven at the administrative hearing leads to a 3 year revocation of the commercial driver’s license!

On a second refusal, CDL holders are facing what is known as a “permanent revocation” of their commercial driver’s license, (which in actuality means at least ten years before even the possibility of reinstatement, assuming eligibility based on no other offenses in that time) and a third refusal or other alcohol related offense including a DWI, Aggravated DWI or leaving the scene of property damage or personal injury accident, will result in a true “permanent revocation” of the commercial driver’s license.

At the Law Office Of Mark A. Siesel, we have the requisite experience and background to provide our clients with aggressive and knowledgeable representation in fighting the charges against them, which threaten their livelihoods and their financial stability. Our goal is to obtain the best possible outcome under the circumstances, by way of fighting the charges at trial or resolution of the charges without litigation, to reduce as much as possible the impact of any criminal charges, license suspensions, and fines. Contact us today for an initial consultation to discuss your rights and the charges against you.