Houston Truck Accident DUI Defense Lawyer
Commercial truck drivers face severe consequences when charged with driving under the influence, including immediate license suspension, criminal penalties, and potential career termination. A DUI conviction can permanently disqualify a commercial driver from operating commercial vehicles, effectively ending their livelihood and creating cascading financial hardships for their families.
At Fahl & Donaldson, PLLC, we understand the unique legal challenges facing commercial drivers and trucking companies when DUI charges arise. Our experienced Houston truck accident defense attorneys provide aggressive representation to protect your commercial driving privileges and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Are the Commercial DUI Laws in Texas?
Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards than regular motorists under Texas law. While the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for non-commercial drivers is 0.08%, commercial drivers can face DUI charges with a BAC as low as 0.04% while operating a commercial vehicle. This reduced threshold means commercial drivers have significantly less margin for error.
The penalties for commercial DUI convictions are severe and immediate. Understanding these consequences is essential for anyone facing such charges:
- First-time commercial DUI conviction results in a one-year disqualification from operating commercial vehicles
- Offenses involving hazardous materials carry a three-year disqualification period
- Second commercial DUI conviction leads to a lifetime ban from commercial driving
- Criminal penalties may include fines, jail time, and mandatory alcohol education programs
- Insurance rates increase significantly, affecting both drivers and employers
These harsh penalties make it crucial to mount an effective defense from the start of your case.
Administrative License Revocation Process
When a commercial driver is arrested for DUI, they face two separate proceedings: the criminal case and an administrative license revocation hearing. The administrative process begins immediately upon arrest, and drivers have only 15 days to request a hearing to contest the automatic license suspension. Missing this deadline results in automatic suspension of commercial driving privileges.
Our attorneys understand the time-sensitive nature of these proceedings and work quickly to protect your rights in both the criminal and administrative processes. We challenge the evidence, question the validity of field sobriety tests, and examine whether proper procedures were followed during the arrest.
What Are Common Defense Strategies for Commercial DUI Cases?
Effective commercial DUI defense requires a thorough understanding of both criminal law and federal commercial driving regulations. Our team examines every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the administration of chemical tests. We investigate whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop and probable cause to make the arrest.
Field sobriety tests can be unreliable, particularly for commercial drivers who may have physical limitations from years of driving or medical conditions that affect balance and coordination. We scrutinize the administration of these tests and challenge results when procedures were not properly followed. Our defense strategies include examining several key areas:
- Challenging the validity of the initial traffic stop
- Questioning the administration and accuracy of field sobriety tests
- Examining breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records
- Investigating chain of custody issues with blood and urine samples
- Reviewing officer training and certification records
- Analyzing video evidence from dashcams or body cameras
Blood and urine tests must be collected, stored, and analyzed according to strict protocols. Chain of custody issues, improper storage, or laboratory errors can compromise test results and provide grounds for dismissal or reduction of charges. Our attorneys work with forensic experts when necessary to challenge the reliability of chemical test evidence.
Protecting Your Commercial Driving Career With The Help of a Houston Attorney
A commercial DUI conviction affects more than just the individual driver. Trucking companies may face increased insurance premiums, regulatory scrutiny, and potential liability issues. We work with both drivers and trucking companies to minimize the impact of DUI charges on business operations and employment relationships.
For owner-operators and independent contractors, a commercial DUI conviction can mean the loss of contracts and inability to secure future work. We understand these economic realities and fight aggressively to preserve our clients’ ability to earn a living in the transportation industry.
Contact Fahl & Donaldson for Houston Truck Accident DUI Defense
When your commercial driving career and livelihood are at stake, you need experienced legal representation that understands the complexities of commercial DUI law. The attorneys at Fahl & Donaldson, PLLC, have decades of litigation experience and have successfully defended numerous commercial drivers facing DUI charges. Glenn J. Fahl has tried more than 75 cases to verdict, while R. Kelly Donaldson has tried and arbitrated over 30 complex cases, bringing more than 100 years of combined experience to your defense.
Time is critical in commercial DUI cases, and early intervention can make the difference between conviction and dismissal. Contact our Houston truck accident DUI defense attorneys today at (346) 241-7355 or through our contact form to schedule a consultation and begin building your defense immediately.