Apart from being a permit, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the foundation of your livelihood. However, this foundation lies in jeopardy when law enforcement initiates a charge for operating while intoxicated (OWI). Will your employer fire you? Will you lose your commercial driver’s license (CDL)?
Understanding the OWI laws in the state can provide answers to your concerns about your future.
The higher standard for professional drivers
In Indiana, the courts hold commercial drivers to a more rigorous standard of conduct than the general motoring public. If you are driving a commercial vehicle (CMV), you must maintain a blood alcohol content (BAC) lower than 0.04%. This limit is more stringent than the standard 0.08% threshold applied to non-CDL holders.
The disparity highlights the duty of care that professionals must uphold to ensure public safety. It is important to note, however, that while the 0.08% limit applies to off-duty drivers in their personal vehicles, a conviction in either context can still devastate a commercial career.
The consequences of an OWI charge for drivers
Facing an OWI charge can lead to these consequences:
- First violation while driving a CMV: One-year license disqualification
- First violation while driving a personal vehicle: One-year license disqualification, up to 60 days in jail time and up to $500 in fines
- Second violation while driving a CMV or personal vehicle: Lifetime ban from holding a CDL
If the courts convict you of OWI, you can lose your job. This record can also severely affect your reputation, which could limit your employment opportunities. A single mistake can have life-altering consequences.
Facing an OWI charge with the right help
The courts treat OWI charges seriously. If you are facing one, seeking legal counsel is the best step moving forward. Handling this case alone is too risky, as your professional life is at stake.