Macomb County CDL / CMV & Trucking Ticket Lawyers
If you drive for a living and have received a violation while driving a CMV you are understandably concerned about the effect that the points may have on your driving record, your job and your insurance rates.
Our experienced CMV / CDL lawyers can explain the points, fines, penalties and other consequences of your ticket, and help you get the best possible results. In many cases we can handle your CDL ticket without the necessity of your returning for a court appearance.
We will give you the experienced legal help you need – at an affordable price – so you can stay on the road and keep earning your living! Call us for a free consultation today, to discuss your CDL / CMV violation.
CDL Traffic Violations and CDL Traffic Tickets in Michigan
If you are convicted of certain traffic violations while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), you are subject to stiffer penalties than drivers with a regular operating license.
Many traffic violations may result in the suspension or revocation of your CDL. Your operator/chauffeur license may also be affected, depending on the severity of the violation. Additionally, any traffic violation in a non-commercial motor vehicle resulting in a suspension or revocation of your operator/chauffeur license will also result in a suspension or revocation of your CDL.
Our experienced Michigan CDL lawyers understand how serious this is to you. Your CDL is how you earn your living and support yourself and your family. And we are here to help you protect your rights.
The information below outlines the penalties for convictions of serious traffic violations (including alcohol related tickets) committed while operating a CMV.
Michigan CDL Tickets: Category I Violations in a CMV
Category I CMV violations include:
- A traffic violation connected with a fatal accident
- Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted limit
- Following too closely
- Careless driving
- Changing/using lanes erratically/improperly
If charged and convicted of a Category I violation in a CMV, your CDL will be:
- Suspended for 60 days for any two violations in separate incidents in three years
- Suspended for 120 days for any three or more violations in separate incidents in three years
- Points may be added to your driving record
Michigan CDL Tickets: Category II Violations in a CMV
Category II CMV violations include:
- Operating under the influence of a controlled substance
- Leaving the scene of a CMV accident
- Committing a felony using a CMV
- Manslaughter
- Fleeing/eluding a law enforcement officer (felony)
If charged and convicted of a Category II violation in a CMV, your CDL will be:
- Suspended for one year for a first violation;
- Suspended for three years for a first violation, if transporting hazardous materials
- Revoked for a minimum of ten years for any two Category II violations occurring in separate incidents
- Revoked for a minimum of ten years for two of the same Category II violations in any time period
CDL Driver’s Responsibility to Provide Notification of Conviction / Suspension
You must notify your employer in writing of traffic violations (other than a parking ticket) committed in any motor vehicle within 30 days of conviction.
The notification of the violation given to your employer must include:
- Your full name and signature
- Your Driver license number
- The Date of conviction
- The Specific violation(s) committed
- Whether the violation was in a CMV
- The location where you received violation
You must also notify your employer in writing of any driver license suspension, revocation, cancellation, lost privilege or disqualification by the end of the business day following the day you receive notice of the action. Additionally you generally must notify your employer of any out-of-service order within twenty-four hours.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Michigan CDL Ticket or CMV Violation?
If you have a CDL and you have received any type of violation while operating a CMV – in Macomb County, anywhere in Michigan or elsewhere – the consequences can be very severe. Losing your CDL can mean temporarily or permanently losing your job and your livelihood.
Because the points and penalties are different for CMV violations than they are for violations in non-commercial vehicles, many people (including many attorneys) do not understand what the penalties and fines are.
An experienced CMV / CDL lawyer can explain the points, fines, penalties and other consequences of your ticket, and help you get the best possible results. Call our CDL lawyers today for a free consultation if you have received a CDL ticket.