What Are the DUI Charges for Commercial Drivers in Mississippi?
Commercial truck drivers have many standards to meet in order to legally drive a tractor trailer for their work. Since tractor trailers are so large and are usually very heavy from the goods they’re hauling, truck drivers need to be fully trained and vigilant at all times. When truckers break their regulations, like driving too many hours in a row, they could be putting other cars and trucks on the road in danger.
Similarly, when truckers drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of their rig, they are threatening the lives of everybody on the road. Truck accidents can cause debilitating injuries, and when the truck driver is drunk, the accident can be even more catastrophic.
If you’ve been arrested for driving a commercial truck under the influence, then you could use representation from Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law. You shouldn’t try to handle a DUI case alone. Our Biloxi DUI lawyer can provide you with the help you need to navigate your charges.
Mississippi DUI Laws and Charges
Before you get behind the wheel of your commercial truck in Mississippi, you should know the state’s DUI laws and the charges you could face if you break those laws. Your blood alcohol content (BAC) must be below .04% in order to operate a commercial vehicle in Mississippi. This is half the BAC of the legal limit for non-commercial drivers, but since you are operating a commercial vehicle, the guidelines are even stricter to ensure safety.
Truck drivers are held to a higher standard because of the danger involved with driving such a large and heavy vehicle. If you get charged with a DUI while driving your commercial truck, even if it’s your first offense, you’ll likely lose your commercial drivers’ license, or CDL, for a year. This would harm your livelihood because you would not be able to drive your truck, and therefore could not work.
According to Mississippi law, if you were hauling hazardous materials at the time of your DUI, your CDL could be suspended for three years. Additionally, if you are convicted for any two of these violations, you could have your CDL suspended for life, and no longer be able to drive commercial vehicles.
Under implied consent, you are legally supposed to agree to a breathalyzer or chemical test if an officer requests one from you when they pull you over. If you refuse, your CDL could be suspended for a year. If you refuse a second time, your license could be suspended indefinitely.
When You’re Not Driving Your Truck
Commercial truck drivers are also held to a higher standard when they are driving regular motor vehicles. While other drivers can only get their regular license suspended for drunk driving, a commercial truck driver can also get their CDL suspended. If a Mississippi truck driver is caught driving, or attempting to drive, a regular motor vehicle with a BAC of over .08%, they can have their CDL suspended for a year.
You could also get your CDL suspended for a year if you drive, or attempt to drive, a regular motor vehicle under the influence of drugs that render you incapable of driving safely. While these actions aren’t legal for regular drivers either, the consequences you could face are much harsher than a regular driver because you could lose the license that you need to work. Trucking regulations are here to keep you and others safe, and when you are deemed an irresponsible driver in a regular vehicle or your rig, then you are risking the lives of yourself and others on the road.
Hire Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law for Your Defense
When you operate your commercial truck while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are not only risking lives, but you are also risking your livelihood because you could face permanent restrictions for driving your truck. When you are facing DUI charges, you shouldn’t face them alone. Corban Gunn, Biloxi, MS DUI lawyer is here to help you.
Our office is experienced in handling these charges and knows that these cases are often complex. We’ll keep your best interests at the forefront and fight for a favorable outcome. Contact us today so we can discuss how we can best help you.
