Receiving a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge in Illinois can have severe consequences, especially if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, it is possible to obtain a CDL after a DUI conviction and our DUI lawyer Grant Park Illinois is here to help. Call (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947 for a consultation today.
A CDL is required to operate certain vehicles, such as trucks or buses, and any legal setback can significantly impact your ability to obtain or maintain a CDL. It’s important to understand the process and potential challenges of obtaining a CDL in Illinois after a DUI arrest.
A DUI conviction can lead to serious consequences for CDL holders. Under Illinois law, if you are caught operating a commercial vehicle with alcohol in your system or refuse to submit to a BAC test, you will automatically face a one-year disqualification of your CDL. A second DUI conviction will result in a lifetime disqualification from obtaining a CDL.
You face enhanced penalties if you were driving professionally at the time of a DUI arrest. If you were driving your work vehicle using your CDL, you could get into even more trouble because CDL holders are held to a higher standard and face heightened penalties in any DUI case. Even if you were driving your personal car at the time you were arrested you are considered a professional driver, so the state of Illinois takes these types of DUIs very seriously.
Our DUI lawyer Grant Park Illinois has successfully represented countless CDL drivers in different cases, including DUIs. Our goal with CDL drivers is to keep their license valid, and their records clean.
Reinstating Your CDL After a DUI Conviction
The process of reinstating a CDL after a DUI conviction in Illinois is complex and requires following specific steps:
- Completing the Revocation Period: Serving out the revocation period imposed by the Secretary of State’s office is the first step towards reinstatement. The duration of the revocation depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the DUI offense.
- Completing a DUI Evaluation: A DUI evaluation must be conducted by an approved provider to assess the level of alcohol or substance abuse and determine the appropriate level of treatment required for reinstatement.
- Completing a DUI Risk Education Program: Successfully completing a DUI risk education program is mandatory for reinstating your CDL. This program focuses on educating individuals about the risks and consequences of impaired driving.
- All fees must be paid: There is a reinstatement fee for your CDL in Illinois.
- Compliance with Treatment Requirements: If the DUI evaluation recommends treatment, completing the recommended treatment program is essential for reinstating your CDL.
After fulfilling the above requirements, you will need to apply for CDL reinstatement directly through the Secretary of State’s office. This application must be accompanied by appropriate documentation, including proof of successful completion of evaluation, DUI risk education program, and any required treatment.
Our DUI Lawyer Grant Park Illinois can help you get your CDL reinstated
Navigating the legal process after a DUI arrest can be daunting, particularly when it comes to reinstating your CDL. Working with a competent DUI lawyer Grant Park Illinois, can be highly beneficial. The MacNeil Firm will guide you through the complex legal procedures and ensure you understand your rights and obligations throughout the process.
We will thoroughly review your case, scrutinizing the evidence and identifying any potential defenses or mitigating factors that could help your situation. We may also be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce your charges or minimize the potential penalties you face. Contact us today for a free consultation.
