Commercial DWI Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney Representing Truck Drivers Accused of DWI


In order for a driver to legally operate a large truck, a bus, or a vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds or is designed to transport hazardous materials or more than 16 passengers, they must have a commercial driver’s license.

When a person in Texas obtains a commercial driver’s license, this is typically the basis of their livelihood. As such, when a commercial driver is charged with a DWI/DUI, the effects of the charge and conviction can be especially devastating.

How does a DWI affect me if I have a Commercial Driver’s License?

For the majority of drivers throughout the state of Texas, the legal limit is .08 percent. This means that a person can legally consume alcohol before operating a motor vehicle, so long as that consumption does not bring their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to or above .08 percent.

For commercial driver’s, however, the legal limit is lower as these drivers are charged with a higher duty of care. To be sure, in Texas, the legal limit is set at Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards of .04 percent.

Consequences for a DWI for Truck and Bus Drivers

If have a commercial driver’s license your commercial driver’s license can be suspeneded for 1 year if:

  1. You are convicted DWI (driving while intoxicated)
  2. An Analysis of your blood, breath or urine showed and alcohol concentration of .04 or presene of a controlled substance while you are operating a commercial motor vehicle
  3. You have an alcohol concetnatoin or .08 or more while operating a motor vehicle, other than a commerical motor vehicle.

If you are charged with a second offense, your commercial driver’s license will be revoked for life. In the event that you are charged with an alcohol-related offense while driving a vehicle that is used for the transport of hazardous materials, you will lose your commercial driver’s license for at least three years, as explained in the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver’s Handbook.

Being convicted of DWI can have a significant effect on your life as a commercial driver. Not only will you face the legal consequence, but a suspension/revocation of your license also means that you will be unable to work as a commercial driver for at least one year’s time. After that, you may have extreme difficulty in securing any employment position.

How Our Texas Commercial DWI Attorney Can Help

As a commercial truck or bus driver in the state of Texas, driving is probably how you make the majority of your income, and is the basis of your earnings and your ability to care for yourself and your family. If you are charged with a commercial DWI, this ability is at risk. This is why the ALR, Administrative License Revocation hearing is so important!

When you contact the law offices of Brent D. Bowen, Attorney at Law, our experienced Texas commercial DWI attorney will help you to understand your options and how to defend yourself against the charges you’re facing. We understand how much is on the line, and are committed to pursuing all avenues to secure the best outcome for your case. We have the experience you’re looking for in a criminal defense law firm, and are passionate about what we do. Contact us today for your free consultation.