Maine Legal Group Logo
Main Office
Satellite Office
Consultations by Appointment Only

Maine OUI Commercial Driver’s License Defense Attorneys

What is a commercial driver's license? Known as a CDL or CPL, this is a type of license which is required in the U.S. when operating a vehicle which weighs more than 26,000 lbs. Bus drivers, truck drivers, and other commercial drivers all hold this license and without it they would not be able to carry out their job.
OUI Commercial Driver's License Defense Lawyers in Maine

This regulation began in 1986 when the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was signed into law. The goal of this act was not only to regulate how can drive these vehicles, but to ensure the safety of both drivers and everyone else on the road. In order to receive a CDL, there are certain requirements which must first be met.

Commercial drivers are trusted with a big responsibility. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, when a commercial driver is found to be misusing alcohol, they must immediately cease from duties which are safety-sensitive, and they will have to meet with a substance abuse profession.

Basically, even the smallest amount of alcohol in your system can lead to you being unable to work, often without pay. In some cases, you may even lose your job and your career.

Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense attorneys today.

Table of Contents

OUI Commercial Driver’s License Laws in Maine

If you are a commercial driver who is arrested for an OUI, you will face a number of penalties that could greatly affect your life and your career. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers over 21 in Maine is .08%. However, if you have a commercial license (CDL), the legal limit is only .04%. This is a very low percent, and almost any amount of alcohol can lead to a driver being over the limit.

If you are arrested for driving with a .08% BAC, you can be charged with all the penalties of a regular OUI, as well as face the charges for violating your commercial license terms. A violation of your commercial license will result in suspension and likely job termination, since you will be unable to work for the duration of the suspension.

Commercial rules are strict, and you could even lose your license for getting an OUI in your own private vehicle.

Penalties for an OUI CDL in Maine

Because they are trusted to drive large trucks that require extra care in handling and because they drive mostly for business, commercial drivers have a much stricter set of rules when it comes to OUI. CDL and CLP drivers must obey all of the laws of the road just like other drivers in addition to following their own set of penalties.

If you are stopped by police while operating a CMV, you can be charged with OUI if any of the following apply:

  • You are operating a CMV and have a blood alcohol concentration of .04% or greater or are intoxicated by any type of drug
  • You violated Maine’s OUI criminal law (driving with a BAC of .08% or more is you are over 21 or .01% if you are under 21 or any amount of drug intoxication)
  • You are asked by police to submit to a chemical sobriety test and you refused

Violation of any of these rules will lead to administrative charges for your CLP or CDL license. If you also violated Maine law, you will face criminal charges as well. If you are convicted of a commercial OUI, you will face license suspension. The following suspensions apply to alcohol related violations:

  • First violation of driving while intoxicated – CDL or CLP license suspension of 1 year
  • First violation of refusing sobriety test – CDL or CLP license suspension of 1 year
  • First violation of driving hazardous material while intoxicated – CDL or CLP license suspension of 3 years
  • Second or more violation of any of these polices – Lifetime CLP or CDL suspension

These penalties are very serious. Unlike average OUI license suspension, an attorney cannot help you get your license back early or obtain a limited driving permit. Losing your commercial license will lead to loss of a job or a year or for life.

Learn More → What Happens to Your CDL in Maine if You Get an OUI?

Contact an OUI CDL Defense Lawyer in Maine

This is extremely serious as your livelihood could be taken away from you and you may not be able to support your family. If you are arrested and convicted of a second DUI while in possession of a CDL, you will be shown zero tolerance and will never be able to get your license back.

For these reasons, it is imperative that you do everything in your power to protect your best interests and fight against being convicted of this offense. In order to protect your rights and your career, call Maine Criminal Defense Group now.

When you speak to one of our OUI attorneys, you can rest assured knowing that you are working with the best. We know the ins and outs of the law and what defenses you have.

For cases involving commercial licenses (CDL), we understand the severity of your situation and will work tirelessly to get you the best possible results. Call us directly at (207) 571-8146 or contact us online today.

Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense attorneys today.

Blog Posts

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Contact our office to speak with
one of our team members who will set up a confidential consultation to discuss your case.

PRACTICE AREAS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Great group of people. Managed to get me a favorable outcome from a very bad situation. I would highly recommend this firm if you have legal troubles. Top notch performance!!

Dave Allen

So thankful I chose this team to represent me. They’re the best, hands down. Nathan Hitchcock proved my innocence not once but TWICE, including a trial by jury. I have a family in law enforcement who told me “Bill Bly and his team are the best. If I would recommend anyone, it would be them.”

Brandon Albert

AVOID A CRIMINAL RECORD

OUR RATES INCLUDE TRIAL FEES*

OVER 115+ GOOGLE REVIEWS

OVER 165+ AVVO REVIEWS

Ready to Get Started? Get In Touch With Us Today!

If you are facing criminal charges in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group are here to help. Call our office to speak with one of our team members, who will discuss your case with you and set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.

Get to Know Our Group
Maine Legal Group

We are a boutique law firm, and we stand out by prioritizing our clients’ well-being. At The Maine Legal Group, our experienced team offers personalized attention in both criminal defense and divorce cases.

The Maine Criminal Defense Group

The Maine Criminal Defense Group adeptly handles all areas of criminal defense practice, including experienced and skilled legal representation for state and federal charges.

The Maine Divorce Group

The Maine Divorce Group empowers individuals skillfully navigating divorce with compassionate guidance, ensuring a brighter future through the challenges of the process.