Lake County Driving without a Valid CDL in Illinois Attorney

Criminal Defense for Charges of Driving with an Invalid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Drivers in Illinois are required to possess a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) while operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers who fail to meet this requirement may be subject to a number of penalties, including fines, suspension of a non-commercial driver's license, and even criminal charges. The loss of a CDL may affect a person's livelihood, and drivers may be required to complete a commercial driver's license training program or meet other requirements before their privileges can be reinstated. Since operating a commercial vehicle without a valid CDL is a serious offense that can result in significant consequences, drivers will need to make sure they take the correct steps to address this issue and maintain their driving privileges.

The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can provide legal help and representation for drivers who need to address issues related to CDL violations. We understand the difficulties that drivers can face in these situations and the concerns they may have about how their careers and their ability to earn an income will be affected. Our goal is to provide effective legal assistance in order to protect our clients' rights and interests, ensuring that they will be able to minimize the potential penalties they may face and continue working in their chosen careers.

Reasons for CDL Disqualification

There are a variety of reasons why a commercial driver may be subject to restrictions to their CDL. In general, a one-year disqualification of a CDL will apply for the following offenses:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) - Commercial drivers may face DUI charges if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04 percent while driving a commercial vehicle, which is half the legal limit for drivers of non-commercial vehicles. A DUI conviction in any vehicle will result in a disqualification, and a person will also be subject to a disqualification if they drive a commercial vehicle while under the influence of marijuana or illegal drugs or if they refuse to take a chemical test of their blood, breath, or urine after a DUI arrest.
• Leaving the scene of an accident - A commercial driver who does not meet their legal requirement to remain at the scene of a collision, render any necessary aid, and exchange contact information with others who were involved may face a disqualification of their CDL, regardless of whether they were driving a commercial vehicle or another type of vehicle.
• Causing a fatality while operating a commercial vehicle - A driver may be subject to a CDL disqualification if they are convicted of vehicular manslaughter, homicide by a motor vehicle, or negligent homicide due to actions they took while driving a commercial vehicle.
• Committing a felony while driving a vehicle - A driver may face a disqualification if they are convicted of a felony offense that occurred while they were driving either a commercial vehicle or another type of vehicle. If a driver used a commercial vehicle while committing a drug-related felony, such as drug trafficking or distribution of controlled substances, they will face a lifetime CDL disqualification. A lifetime disqualification will also apply if a person used a commercial vehicle to commit a felony related to human trafficking.

Other offenses may result in shorter periods of disqualification, including committing multiple "serious" traffic violations such as speeding, reckless driving, or tailgating. These disqualifications will usually last from two to four months. A commercial driver may also be subject to an "out-of-service" order lasting for at least 24 hours if they are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if they refuse to take a chemical test following a DUI arrest.

Drivers who operate commercial vehicles without a valid commercial driver's license in Illinois may face a number of penalties. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A person who violates an "out-of-service" order will be subject to a CDL disqualification of six months for a first offense, two years for a second offense, and three years for a third or subsequent offense. In addition, a person who is convicted of driving a commercial vehicle after their CDL has been suspended, revoked, or disqualified will have all of their Illinois driving privileges revoked.

Contact Our Waukegan CDL Violation Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of operating a commercial vehicle without a valid CDL, The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can help determine your options for defense. We will work with you to navigate the legal process and help you resolve the issue as efficiently as possible. Our goal is to preserve your driving privileges and help you minimize the negative effects on your life and your career. Contact us today by calling 847-239-4703 to schedule a complimentary consultation.