Seattle CDL DUI Defense Lawyer

Seattle CDL DUI Defense Attorney

The consequences of a CDL DUI in Seattle are serious. They can be life-changing, especially if you make your living from a job that requires a CDL. If you are a CDL holder and you were arrested for DUI, don’t wait another minute to call a Seattle CDL DUI defense lawyer. Don’t underestimate how much could be at stake.

A Knowledgeable Seattle CDL DUI Defense Attorney

At Peters Associates, LLC, we believe it’s important to stay abreast of CDL DUI laws and other laws relevant to CDL DUI cases. All of our DUI attorneys in Seattle attend continuing legal education courses that focus on changes in the laws and industry-leading DUI defense strategies. We do this in order to provide the highest quality defense for our clients. The testimonials from our client base and our successful track record for cases speak for themselves.

Washington Imposes Stricter BAC Legal Limits for CDL Drivers

CDL drivers are held to higher standards than regular passenger vehicle drivers. Whereas the legal BAC limit for regular licensed drivers is .08, the legal limit for CDL drivers is .04. According to the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide, there are over 20,000 fatalities each year that are the result of alcohol-impaired driving accidents.

This is because the more alcohol an individual consumes, the more of their brain it affects. The first part of the brain that is affected by alcohol is the part that controls self-control and judgment. Someone consuming alcohol may not realize how drunk they are getting, or that they are getting drunk at all, which poses a problem for other drivers on the road.

Because it takes self-control and good judgment to operate a vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle, drinking alcohol and driving is a bad combination. As alcohol builds up in someone’s blood, their muscle control, coordination, and even vision become affected more and more. Drivers who have consumed alcohol are easy to spot by law enforcement. Some of the signs that a driver may be under the influence of alcohol include the following:

• They take off quickly.
• They straddle lanes.
• They run stop signs and run red lights.
• They don’t use their signals and often don’t turn on their headlights.
• They improperly pass other vehicles.
• They have an increased reaction time to road hazards.
• They speed or drive too slowly.
• They drive in the wrong lane.
• They weave.
• They run over curbs.

Each one of these driving behaviors can increase the chance of an accident. In fact, research has proven that the chance of crashing is significantly higher for those who have been drinking than for drivers who are sober.

What Happens When You Get a CDL DUI Conviction in Washington?

The penalties for a CDL DUI conviction in Washington State are harsh. For a first-time incident of a CDL DUI in Seattle, you will be disqualified from driving with a CDL for one year. If you were transporting hazardous materials, you would be disqualified from driving with a CDL for three years.

If you get a second DUI, there are no more chances. You lose your CDL privileges for life. If you go into a deferred prosecution program, it is automatically considered a DUI conviction if you have a CDL.

Requalifying for a CDL After a DUI

To requalify for a CDL, you must pass the CDL skills and knowledge test again and pass a separate test for an endorsement of hazardous materials. You may also be required to submit a letter from the Transportation Security Administration, confirming that you passed their background check. If you were disqualified for life, you cannot reapply.

You can requalify at one of two Driver Licensing Offices located in Seattle, West Seattle, at 2420 SW Dakota Street, Seattle, or Seattle-Queen Anne, at 450 3rd Avenue W, Suite 100, Seattle.

If any of this resonates with your situation, you could potentially lose your job or your source of income. Speaking to a Seattle CDL DUI defense attorney is ideal for your situation.

Why Choose Us?

Peters Associates, LLC, takes every case seriously. We do not want our CDL DUI clients to lose their livelihood because of one mistake. We have more than 20 years of experience specifically in DUI cases and cases involving related criminal charges, as well as civil litigation. Don’t hesitate to secure legal assistance. Hire a CDL DUI defense lawyer from Peters Associates, LLC, to represent your case.

FAQs About Seattle, WA CDL DUI Defense Law

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Washington?

The cost of a DUI lawyer in Washington varies based on several factors. First, the complexity of your case may impact the rate you are quoted at your initial consultation. Furthermore, a lawyer could charge more if they are experienced, with several successful CDL DUI cases behind them. It may also affect the cost if your lawyer charges a flat rate or a per-hour rate.

Can You Get Your CDL Back With a DUI?

Whether you can get your CDL back or not with a DUI depends on how many DUIs you’ve had. After your first DUI, you can requalify for a CDL after a one-year disqualification. If you receive a second DUI or subsequent DUI, you will lose your CDL privileges for life. In this case, you cannot requalify to get your CDL back. If you’re facing charges, hire a CDL DUI attorney to provide you with legal advice.

How Long After a DUI Can You Get a CDL in Washington State?

You can requalify for your CDL in Washington state after a first-time DUI after a one-year disqualification period. This is unless you received a DUI while transporting hazardous materials. In that case, you will have to wait a three-year disqualification period. If you get a second DUI in Washington state, your CDL privileges will be disqualified for life. If you have a lifetime disqualification, you cannot qualify to get your CDL back.

What Is the Optimal Defense Against a DUI?

DUI charges can be minimized or thrown out for various reasons. The ideal defense against a DUI depends on the case details. Many DUI charges can be mitigated by successful defense strategies, such as claiming there was no probable cause for the stop, contesting the validity of the testing procedures, or challenging BAC test results. A DUI lawyer can determine the optimal defense against your DUI charges.

Hire a CDL DUI Defense Lawyer Who Cares

The attorneys at Peters Associates, LLC, are compassionate legal professionals who genuinely want to advocate for your rights and defend your case. Contact our office and schedule a consultation to discuss your case.