OVI – Commercial Driver’s Licenses and OVI Charges

If you are the holder of a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you already know that you are subject to laws and regulations that the average commuter is not. So, it should come as no surprise that commercial driver’s license holders who are arrested and charged with operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) in Ohio face certain challenges and repercussions that non-CDL holders do not. This makes it even more critical that you seek competent and qualified legal assistance if you are arrested and charged with OVI. If you are facing OVI charges in Ohio, contact the seasoned OVI defense attorneys at Walker Novack Legal Group, LLC today by calling (614) 423-8276.

Your CDL License is in Jeopardy if You are Convicted of OVI

For commercial drivers who make their livings hauling loads across Ohio or across the country, having a valid CDL is essential to maintaining their employment. If a person were to have his or her CDL revoked, then this individual’s employer would almost certainly terminate the person’s employment or reassign the person to another position that perhaps does not pay as well.

There are several situations under which a person’s CDL can be suspended or revoked:

• If the CDL holder refuses to take an alcohol or drug test, his or her CDL privileges will be suspended for one year. If the CDL holder refuses another alcohol or drug test, it is a lifetime disqualification. It does not matter if the person is driving a commercial truck or a personal vehicle at the time he or she is arrested and asked to submit to a test.
• If the CDL holder has a breath test result of .04 or greater, a blood test of .048 or greater, or a urine test of .056 or greater, the driver’s CDL license will be suspended for one year. On a second occurrence, the driver’s CDL license will be revoked for the person’s lifetime. Only breath, blood, or urine tests conducted on a CDL holder who is driving a commercial motor vehicle at the time he or she is requested to take a test. If the CDL holder tests positive for any amount of alcohol, he or she will be placed out-of-service for a period of 24 hours.
• If the CDL holder is convicted of OVI (whether impaired by alcohol or another substance), the CDL holder’s driving privileges will be suspended for one year. Any subsequent conviction will result in the permanent loss of CDL privileges. It is immaterial whether the CDL holder was driving a commercial vehicle or any other type of motor vehicle when he or she committed OVI.

What CDL Holders Should Do After Being Arrested for OVI

If you are facing OVI charges, your commercial driver’s license is in serious jeopardy. You deserve to have your case evaluated by an Ohio OVI defense law firm that can explore with you ways to resolve your charges and keep your driving privileges intact. Speak with Walker Novack Legal Group, LLC about your OVI charges and commercial driver’s license today. Call (614) 423-8276 to schedule a no-cost case evaluation where we can discuss the defenses you may have, strategies that can be employed, and how best to help you through this matter.

Walker Novack Legal Group, LLC
5013 Pine Creek Drive
Westerville, Ohio 43081
P: (614) 423-8276
F: (614) 767-0695