Commercial DWI – DUI With CDL License In New Jersey

If you need help with a DWI, 1,402 of my clients received NO DWI Conviction – CALL ME

Protecting Your License, Your Job, and Your Future

All commercial drivers know they are not allowed to drink and drive. Not all of these drivers understand how harsh the DUI laws for truck drivers are though. Both the rules and penalties are far stricter when it comes to drinking and driving and commercial truck drivers.

Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard in New Jersey when it comes to driving while intoxicated (DWI). If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), even a single DWI arrest can threaten your career, your income, and your driving privileges. Understanding what to do immediately after your arrest—and how to protect your rights before trial—is critical to keeping your future on track.

This guide explains what steps CDL holders should take after a DWI arrest in New Jersey, what to expect prior to and during trial, and what kind of outcome you should be working toward. It also highlights how Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law, one of New Jersey’s most trusted DWI defense firms, has spent nearly 30 years helping drivers like you protect their livelihoods.

Understanding the Stakes for CDL Holders in New Jersey

For CDL holders, a DWI arrest carries more severe consequences than for non-commercial drivers. Under New Jersey law, you can face a one-year CDL suspension for a first offense—even if you were driving your personal vehicle at the time. A second DWI can result in a lifetime CDL disqualification, ending your commercial driving career permanently.

Additionally, New Jersey enforces a lower BAC limit for commercial drivers. While the standard legal limit is 0.08%, CDL holders can be charged with DWI if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.04% or higher while operating a commercial vehicle.

This means even a small mistake or misunderstanding can cost you your job and your professional reputation.

Step 1: Take Immediate Action After Your DWI Arrest

After a DWI arrest, do not wait to contact an experienced attorney. CDL-related DWI cases move quickly, and early mistakes can make your defense more difficult later.

Here’s what to do immediately:

• Do not admit guilt or discuss the details of your arrest with police beyond providing identification.
• Request a copy of the police report and any chemical test results.
• Contact a qualified DWI defense attorney as soon as possible.

Attorney Matthew Reisig and his team at Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law understand how CDL suspensions affect your livelihood. With nearly three decades of experience defending DWI charges across New Jersey, Reisig has built strong relationships with local prosecutors and judges—knowledge that often helps in negotiating favorable outcomes or identifying procedural errors in your case.

Step 2: Know What Happens Before Trial

Before your trial begins, several key stages will take place:

1. Arraignment:
   You’ll appear in court to hear the formal charges against you. It’s important to have legal representation at this stage to enter the appropriate plea and protect your rights.
2. Discovery & Evidence Review:
   Your attorney will request all evidence the prosecution plans to use—such as the police report, breath test results, or dashcam footage. Reisig’s team meticulously examines every detail to identify flaws in the state’s case, such as:

• Improper traffic stops
• Faulty breathalyzer calibration
• Violations of implied consent procedures
• Missing or inaccurate documentation

3. Pre-Trial Negotiations:
   Sometimes, strong pre-trial advocacy can lead to reduced charges or dismissal. Reisig Criminal Defense is known throughout New Jersey for its aggressive negotiation style and detailed legal strategy, often achieving outcomes that protect CDL holders from the harshest penalties.

Step 3: What to Expect at Trial

If your case proceeds to trial, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were operating a vehicle under the influence.

Your defense team will:

• Challenge the legality of the traffic stop.
• Question the reliability of chemical tests.
• Cross-examine the arresting officer’s testimony.
• Present expert witnesses when necessary.

Because CDL cases carry such high stakes, a strong, detail-oriented defense is essential. Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law has successfully defended thousands of DWI cases across New Jersey municipal courts. Their familiarity with courtroom procedures and local prosecutors gives clients a significant advantage in presenting a well-prepared, credible defense.

Step 4: Understanding Potential Penalties

If convicted, a CDL holder can face:

• 1-year CDL suspension (first offense)
• Lifetime CDL revocation (second offense)
• License suspension for your personal driver’s license
• Fines, surcharges, and potential jail time
• Mandatory ignition interlock device installation

In addition, your employer may terminate your employment due to loss of CDL privileges, even before the court’s final decision.

The Best Possible Outcome for CDL Drivers

The goal of your defense should be avoiding a DWI conviction entirely or having the charges reduced to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving. Achieving this outcome can preserve your CDL eligibility and minimize long-term damage to your record.

With nearly 30 years of focused DWI defense experience, Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law has helped countless New Jersey drivers obtain favorable results—even in complex cases involving CDL holders. The firm’s understanding of local court systems, prosecutors, and procedural nuances gives clients a major advantage in protecting their rights.

Why Choose Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law?

• 30 Years of Proven Success: Nearly three decades representing drivers across New Jersey.
• Respected Statewide Reputation: Trusted by clients, judges, and prosecutors alike.
• DWI-Focused Practice: Specialized knowledge of New Jersey DWI and CDL laws.
• Aggressive, Personalized Defense: Tailored legal strategies designed for real results.

If you’re a CDL holder facing a DWI charge in New Jersey, time is critical. Contact Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your license—and your livelihood.

Call (732) 625-9660 for help.