Fighting Revocation of Commercial Driver’s License for DWI
Today, we’re thrilled to announce a major victory for one of our clients, a commercial truck driver whose ability to provide for his family depended on getting his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) restored. This win marks our second driver’s “Implied Consent” license victory this week—a feat many DWI attorneys may not achieve in an entire year. But when it comes to defending our clients’ rights and preserving their livelihoods, we don’t leave anything to chance.
Why This Case Was So Important
Our client’s Commercial Driver’s License revocation was a severe blow, instantly eliminating his ability to work as the primary provider for his family. In a matter of days, his income evaporated, costing him tens of thousands already, with the potential for hundreds of thousands in future lost earnings and increased insurance premiums. Today’s success means his license is fully restored and this incident is removed from his record. His family can finally regain the stability they deserve, without the shadow of lost income and missed career opportunities hanging over them.
The Challenge: Why CDL Revocations Are So Hard to Win
Civil license revocation hearings are stacked against drivers. Unlike criminal cases, where the standard is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the government in civil hearings only needs to prove its case by a “preponderance of the evidence”—a much lower bar. Moreover, CDL drivers in these hearings aren’t entitled to a jury trial; instead, a single judge decides the outcome. The system was working against our client from the start, but we were prepared for the fight.
Winning CDL Revocation Cases Takes Skill, Science, and Relentless Advocacy
Winning CDL cases like this one demands more than basic legal knowledge. It takes a team with highly specialized skills, scientific training, and a relentless commitment to fighting for our clients. Our attorneys dig deep, challenging everything from the legality of each stop to field sobriety testing, “implied consent procedures,” and the validity and reliability of the test results. In this case, our meticulous preparation and strategic approach were key to restoring our client’s CDL.
After his victory, our client shared a powerful sentiment: “Someone asked me why I paid so much for a DWI lawyer. But when you look at the cost of losing my CDL, it’s worth every penny.” His words underscore a critical point: representation from skilled attorneys isn’t just an investment—it’s a life-changing decision.
CDL Drivers: Understanding the Stakes of a DWI
This case also highlights the high stakes of a first-time DWI for CDL holders. A DWI license revocation—even in a privately owned vehicle—leads to a minimum one-year loss of a CDL. A second DWI offense means a ten-year ban, and a third results in a lifetime ban. Even after a driver gets relicensed after a first offense, the struggle to regain meaningful CDL jobs can be incredibly tough, impacting everything from pay rates to job prospects.
If you or someone you know is facing CDL revocation or any DWI-related charges, remember: you get *one shot* at winning. With your livelihood and family’s future on the line, don’t settle for anything but the very best Minnesota DWI Lawyer.
Contact Minnesota’s first and ONLY attorney to be board-certified in DWI Defense Law by the American Bar Association (not MSBA).