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Are you a CDL driver charged with a Felony?

CDL Attorney Mike Sherman is a former Pennsylvania State Police Attorney who can make a difference in these cases.

Using a vehicle to commit a felony, is a major offense which mean your CDL will be suspended for at least a year. Here things to consider:

  • It doesn't matter if the offense occurred in your personal vehicle. Using a vehicle to commit a felony will still result in a license suspension if you are convicted.
  • If this is your first major offense, the license suspension is 1 year.
  • If this occurred in a HAZMAT vehicle, your CDL will be suspended for 3 years.
  • If you have a previous major violation, you are facing a lifetime disqualification.
  • If the vehicle was used in the commission of a felony involving a controlled substance, you are facing a lifetime disqualification even it is a first offense.

If your license gets suspended, is your company going to sit around and wait for you or will they go hire someone else? Even after your suspension is over, the major offense stays on your permanent driving history. Do you think companies want to hire drivers with major offenses on their history?

This is why you need to take these charges seriously and get professional legal help. You are not only looking at possible jail time for the felony, you are also looking at losing your career as a truck driver. In addition to these penalties, a felony conviction can result in other consequences that impact many areas of your life:

  • You can't own or possess a gun
  • You can't go hunting
  • You can't vote
  • You many not be able to travel to many foreign countries
  • You can't work at a school for 10 years
  • You will be terminated from state employment
  • You must notify the professional licensing board if you hold a professional license
  • Your car insurance will increase or you may be denied coverage
  • You may not be able to adopt children
  • Your landlord may be able to evict you
  • Your credit score may drop significantly

Attorney Mike Sherman has been helping truck drivers for years and has successfully helped many reduce their fines, reduce their charges, and keep them on road.

A felony will stay on your permanent criminal record forever. Anytime a criminal background check is done, your felony will show up. This can impact your life in so many ways. Therefore, it's crucial that you work with an experienced CDL defense lawyer such as Mike Sherman.

Here are some results from real cases of clients who chose Attorney Mike Sherman:

CDL DUI Breath Test Trial – All Charges Dropped

Our client held a commercial driver's license (CDL). He was a first offender with no criminal record. If he entered into the first offender program, he would suffer a disqualification of his CDL – it would be lost for one year. A CDL driver with a DUI will have a very difficult time getting employment. We hired a forensic breath testing expert. The expert reviewed our client's medical history, the circumstances surrounding the case, and the breath test records. Our expert concluded that the breath test result was unreliable. After reviewing the report, the prosecution dropped the DUI charges.

CDL Accident Charges – Successfully Appealed 1 Year License Suspension

A CDL driver was charged with accidents involving damage to unattended property when he hit a guardrail when turning around. Another lawyer advised the CDL driver to pay the fine and forget about it. After he paid the fine, the CDL driver received notice that his CDL was being disqualified for 1 year. We filed an appeal. After restitution was paid for the damage, the charge was dropped.

Right now, the best thing you can do is call Attorney Sherman at (412) 471-5000 and take advantage of his free consultation. Remember, CDL drivers who can't afford to lose their license hire Mike Sherman

What is a disqualification?

A disqualification is the temporary or permanent withdrawal of a person's privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

MAJOR OFFENSES

Federal Description PA Code Section Vehicle Type Length of Disqualification for First Offense
Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance. 3731(i), 3802 CMV or Personal vehicle 1 Year – 3 Years with Hazmat
Refusing to submit to chemical testing. 1613, 1547 CMV or Personal vehicle 1 Year – 3 Years with Hazmat
Leaving the scene of an accident. 3743, 3745 CMV or Personal vehicle 1 Year – 3 Years with Hazmat
Using a vehicle to commit felony. Various Crimes Code Offenses CMV or Personal vehicle 1 Year – 3 Years with Hazmat
Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony Involving manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled substance. 13a10, 13a14, 13a19, 13a30, 13a36 CMV or Personal vehicle Lifetime
Driving a CMV while the driver's CDL is revoked, suspended. cancelled or disqualified. 1606 (c) (1), 1543 (a) (b) CMV Only 1 Year – 3 Years with Hazmat
Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV. 3742, 3735, 2503, 2504 CMV Only 1 Year – 3 Years with Hazmat

If you are facing a serious charge, don't delay. Call former Pennsylvania State Police attorney Mike Sherman now to set up your free consultation at (412) 471-5000.

Contact Us Today

Mike Sherman Law is committed to answering your questions about DUI defense, homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault while DUI, homicide by vehicle, CDL defense, driving while on a DUI suspension, blood or breath tests refusals, and criminal defense law issues in Pittsburgh.

We offer a free consultation and we’ll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.



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