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A DWI Conviction Could Cost You Your CDL

A person convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can lose his or her serialized Commercial Driving License (CDL). This penalty applies even if the person is convicted of DWI in a non-commercial vehicle. It also applies even if it’s the first time he or she has been convicted of DWI.

Federal rules insist that reporting DWI convictions isn’t just an employment issue but a public safety issue. Likewise, Minnesota DWI laws make it clear that those who drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances can face criminal penalties like imprisonment, fines, and court expenses,

DWI Penalties for CDL Holders

In every DWI case involving a CDL, careful planning and aggressive defense by an MN DWI attorney can increase the odds of securing a favorable outcome. Besides the driver losing the CDL, he or she may face jail time, steep fines, and other hidden consequences of a DWI conviction. In Minnesota, the fine is between $3,000 and $14,000. It’s not unusual for the state to require a person who had temporarily lost his or her CDL due to a DWI conviction to complete an alcohol education course before reinstating it.

The state can also require convicted CDL holders to complete community service — anywhere between 40 and 160 hours. A CDL holder can be subject to all these penalties whether he or she was convicted of DWI in a non-commercial vehicle or commercial truck. If the accident resulted in serious bodily injury or death to another person, then the commercial driver may face civil lawsuits.

License Plate Impoundment

Minnesota may also impound the license plate of commercial drivers under certain circumstances. A DWI conviction, CDL cancellation because of drug test failure or refusal, and two or more DUI/DWI convictions in ten years are some reasons a commercial license plate can get impounded.  

Appealing a DWI Conviction in Minnesota

Getting a DWI conviction isn’t the end of the road for a commercial driver. The driver has the right to appeal the ruling with the Minnesota Courts of Appeals within the required timeline. An MN DWI attorney can review the unique facts of the case and come up with solid grounds for requesting the appellate court to reverse the DWI conviction. The attorney can then present compelling oral arguments that will convince the appellate court to overturn the DWI conviction.

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

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