Anyone who relies upon a commercial motor vehicle driver’s license to continue working faces serious consequences if convicted of a drinking and driving offense and should seek the help of an experienced Rochester DWI lawyer.

Even for a first time offender, the laws of New York State make it nearly impossible for someone whose employment requires operating a commercial motor vehicle to continue working after a drinking and driving conviction.

A first time offender convicted of any drinking and driving offense – including a traffic infraction such as Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol – will have his or her privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle revoked for one year.

This revocation applies even if the defendant was not operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of his or her arrest.

If the first time offender was operating a commercial motor vehicle and was hauling hazardous material, his or her privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle will be revoked for three years.

Almost all first time drinking and driving offenders are eligible to obtain a conditional driver’s license following a conviction which allows them to continue to drive to, from and for work.

Unfortunately for those drivers who need a commercial driver’s license to continue working, a conditional driver’s license does not include the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

As a result, the ability to obtain a conditional driver’s license will not help someone who needs a commercial driver’s license for work.

If you have been arrested for DWI and need your driver’s license to continue working, please feel free to call us at 585-484-7432 for legal help.