Houston CDL DUI Lawyer

Houston CDL DUI Attorney

A charge involving your commercial driver’s license (CDL) can threaten far more than your ability to drive. A CDL DUI conviction in Texas can come with lasting consequences that impact your career and future opportunities. When your livelihood is on the line, you need experienced legal counsel who understands both local DUI laws and federal safety regulations. A trusted Houston CDL DUI lawyer from the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can defend you.

​How the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, Can Help​

As a trusted Houston DUI defense firm, the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC brings years of courtroom experience and a comprehensive understanding of DUI laws and federal commercial driving regulations to every case we take on. Our approach includes careful investigation, tailored defense strategies, and clear communication that informs clients of their rights throughout each stage of their case.​

Most Houston CDL DUI cases are heard in Harris County criminal courts, and understanding how these local courts operate is crucial. Our familiarity with local prosecutors, judges, and court expectations can make an immense difference in the outcome of your case. Our informed and strategic advocacy can make a meaningful difference as you navigate protecting your driving privileges.

​Understanding DUI Laws for CDL Drivers in Texas

​Commercial drivers face stricter laws to make sure they keep themselves, their goods, and others on the road safe. Under the Texas Transportation Code § 522.081, a CDL holder can face DUI penalties if they are found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04%. This is much less than the limit used for non-commercial drivers, which sits at 0.08%.

​Federal regulations also apply to commercial drivers who operate in Texas. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations establish disqualification periods for certain offenses, including driving under the influence charges. These rules can result in a one-year disqualification for a first offense and a lifetime disqualification for a second offense in some circumstances.

​Because of overlapping state and federal laws, CDL DUI penalties often extend beyond standard criminal consequences. Your driving record, future employment, and insurance eligibility may all be affected, emphasizing the importance of hiring a lawyer who can protect your freedoms.

​What Happens When You’re Arrested for a CDL DUI in Houston?

​According to the Texas Department of Transportation, hundreds of thousands of impaired driving incidents occur each year statewide, underscoring why these cases are aggressively pursued. A CDL DUI arrest in Houston typically triggers two separate proceedings. The first is a criminal case, which is likely managed through a local Harris County court. The second process involves administrative actions taken against your license by the Texas Department of Public Safety:

1. Your Criminal Case. For a commercial driver to be arrested for a CDL DUI, prosecutors must prove impairment or a prohibited blood alcohol level beyond a reasonable doubt. Penalties for a first-time CDL DUI offense in Texas can include fines, probation, license suspension, and possible jail time.
2. Your License Suspension Hearing. Your license suspension hearing will likely take place before your criminal proceedings, making it crucial that you hire legal counsel quickly after you’re facing charges. Most administrative hearings occur within just weeks of your initial charges, and commercial drivers have a limited time to request a hearing to challenge that suspension. Missing that deadline can result in automatic disqualification.

When to Hire a CDL DUI Lawyer in Houston

​If you are considering whether to hire a CDL DUI lawyer in Houston, timing matters. Early legal involvement allows for a thorough review of your case and its details, such as the cause of your traffic stop, field sobriety testing requirements, and chemical testing procedures. An experienced Houston CDL DUI attorney from the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can evaluate whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion for the stop and probable cause for arrest.

​Prompt representation also makes certain that critical deadlines for administrative hearings are not missed. Protecting your CDL requires attention to both the criminal and administrative sides of your case. For many drivers, the decision to hire a CDL DUI lawyer is about more than avoiding penalties. It is about protecting years of hard work and preserving the ability to earn a living.

​FAQs About CDL DUI Law

​Can You Get a CDL Back After Being Convicted of a DUI in Texas?

​In many cases, a first offense in Texas results in a one-year disqualification of your commercial driving privileges. After that period, you may be eligible for reinstatement if you meet all requirements set by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Repeat offenses can carry lifetime disqualification, although limited reinstatement options may exist in certain circumstances.

​What Happens If You Get a DUI While Holding a CDL in Texas?​

A DUI involving a CDL can trigger both criminal charges and administrative license action. You may face court proceedings in Harris County and a separate disqualification of your commercial driving privileges. Even if the incident occurred in a personal vehicle, your CDL can still be affected under Texas and federal regulations. It’s important to discuss your rights and potential legal options with an experienced Texas DUI lawyer who can protect your career.

​How Much Does a CDL DUI Lawyer Cost in Texas?

​Because every DUI case comes with complex circumstances, especially when a CDL is involved, the total price you pay for a CDL DUI defense lawyer in Texas may vary. Fees often vary depending on the complexity of your case, whether chemical testing is involved, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Some cases resolve through negotiation, while others require extensive litigation. It is important to discuss all potential fees with your attorney.

​Does a CDL DUI Affect My Regular Driver’s License in Texas?

​Yes, a CDL DUI arrest can potentially affect your personal driver’s license in Texas. This is because a DUI arrest may result in suspension or restrictions that impact all driving privileges, regardless of whether they are commercial or personal. It’s vital that you address CDL DUI charges promptly to make sure you don’t miss important deadlines and hearings regarding your driving privileges.

​Contact the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, Today

​If you are facing allegations that threaten your commercial driving privileges, taking swift action is critical. The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, represents Houston drivers who need knowledgeable and steady guidance during high-stakes cases. To learn more about your options and discuss your situation, request a confidential consultation with our trusted team today. Your CDL is more than a credential. It is your career.