Every single year, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries in collisions involving commercial trucks. Given the sheer size of most commercial trucks, these collisions often times result in fatalities. Because of this, commercial truck drivers are held to strict regulatory standards. Violation of these standards can result in loss of your commercial driver’s license. In some instances though, the violation that the truck driver was cited for was not the fault of the driver. Below we will examine some of the most common instances in which commercial trucking companies violate these standards. If you are cited for a CDL violation, seek out legal representation immediately.

Common Company Caused Violations

While some CDL violations are directly related to driver error, such as a DUI or reckless driving charge, many other violations are the direct fault of the trucking company. If a driver is cited for violating a driver out-of-service order regarding the transportation of hazardous materials, it is possible that they were not educated on the order by their company. If a driver is cited for driving an overweight truck, it is likely that the company overloaded the vehicle to minimize delivery time, putting their bottom line ahead of the safety and wellbeing of the driver.

In other instances, a driver may be violating regulations regarding their electronic logbook, due to pressure from the company to work extended hours. In all of these cases, a driver could ultimately lose their CDL due to the negligence of their company.

Driving is a way of life. The average American drives approximately 37 miles per day. Loss of your driving privileges can significantly impact your quality of life and your livelihood. Here in the state of Illinois, there are a number of traffic violations that can result in license suspension or revocation. Below, we will examine some of the most common violations that could cost you your license. In the event of a traffic violation, it is critically important to seek out the assistance of a qualified legal professional.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Here in the state of Illinois, local law enforcement are constantly on the lookout for signs of inebriated driving. Throughout 2017 alone, more than 27,000 people were arrested statewide for intoxicated driving. Due to the inherent dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a conviction can result in loss of driving privileges. A first DUI conviction will result in a one-year license revocation. Subsequent convictions come with lengthier revocation periods. If you have been charged with a DUI, you need to speak with a legal representative.

Felony Traffic Offenses: The vast majority of traffic violations are considered minor infractions that only result in minor fines. More serious traffic violations, such as driving under the influence are listed as misdemeanors. The most serious violations though will constitute a felony charge. If you commit a felony traffic offense, you will more than likely face a license suspension or revocation. Common felony offenses include multiple DUIs, vehicular homicide, and repeatedly driving without a license. Many felony traffic offenses can also result in significant jail time.

Despite the best wishes of parents, the vast majority of teenagers will experiment with alcohol at some point in their high school career. All parents can really hope for, is the fact that their child will remain safe while drinking, avoid over-consumption and not get behind the wheel of a car. Unfortunately, many young people that take part in underage drinking, do ultimately make the decision to drive. Below, we will examine the many ways in which driving under the influence can impact a teenager’s future.

The Consequences of a Conviction

When a person is convicted of a DUI, their life can be altered forever. The implications of a conviction can go far beyond the initial criminal punishment. Listed below, are the most notable ways in which a DUI conviction can impact a teenager’s future.

The Legal Ramifications: Here in the state of Illinois, a first DUI offense can come with significant legal ramifications. If convicted, a person will face Class A misdemeanor charges. Outside of the implications of having a misdemeanor on your criminal record (which we will explore below), the charge can come with other punishments. Most notably, a first-time DUI offender may be sentenced to up to one year in prison, depending on the circumstances. The person is likely to also face substantial fines, as high as $2,500. Significant time spent in jail can drastically impact a young person’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

When a person is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, it is important for them to understand the potential legal ramifications. Due to the manner in which drunk driving can endanger other travelers, it is not a simple traffic violation, but a serious criminal offense. According to Illinois state law, a DUI charge constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. Yet there are a number of factors that elevate a standard DUI to an aggravated DUI. Below, we will explore the offenses that can lead to an aggravated DUI charge, as well as the ways in which a conviction can ultimately impact your life. If you have been charged with an aggravated DUI, seek out legal assistance immediately.

Common Aggravating Factors

According to Illinois state law, an aggravated DUI conviction automatically constitutes a Class 4 felony. If convicted, the offender could face more than one year in prison, fines as high as $25,000, and a serious mark on their permanent record. It should be noted, that as of January 1, 2019, driving your vehicle the wrong way down a one-way street while under the influence of alcohol constitutes an aggravated DUI. Listed below are other common aggravating factors.

DUI Resulting in Harm: When a person driving under the influence of alcohol injures another party, the legal consequences are heightened. If an inebriated driver is deemed responsible for a collision that causes a person significant bodily harm or permanent disability, the offender will face felony charges, license revocation for a two-year period, and a minimum of one year in prison. If a person is fatally injured in the collision, the inebriated driver will be charged with a Class 2 felony, and have their prison sentence increased to a minimum of three years and a maximum of 14 years.

Here in the state of Illinois, there are a number of violations that could result in a driver’s license suspension. A driver can lose their driving privileges for three or more traffic violations within a 12-month period, accumulating 10 or more parking tickets and refusing payment, or for non-payment of court-ordered child support. The most noteworthy reason for a driver’s license suspension is a DUI offense.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, more than 27,000 Illinoisans were charged with driving under the influence, throughout 2017 alone. Fortunately, a person facing either a license suspension or revocation may be eligible for reinstatement. If you have lost your driving privileges, and are hoping to have your license reinstated, you need to hire an attorney that you can believe in.

Steps Needed for Reinstatement

A license suspension can significantly impact a person’s livelihood, because of this, it is important to act quickly. Once your license has been suspended, you can request a hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State. These hearings can be formal or informal.