For drivers of traditional passenger vehicles, a conviction for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Iowa brings very serious consequences. But these alleged offenders may be eligible for temporary restricted licenses that allow them to maintain their employment.
Unfortunately, commercial drivers, who rely on their commercial driver’s license (CDL) to provide for their families, do not have this luxury or option.
Any arrest for OWI – even if the alleged offense occurs in a non-commercial vehicle – can result in a truck driver losing his or her CDL for multiple years and even life.
Call Thompson Law
Are you a CDL holder who was recently arrested for OWI in Iowa? Get a highly skilled, experienced criminal defense lawyer versed in Iowa CDL law on your side.
At Thompson Law, we know your rights. We know your options. We will review your case, dispute your charges if possible and work for the best possible outcome for you and your future.
Get Thompson Law on your case and on your side. Call us today at 319-820-0444.
Iowa OWI Charges
Iowa law states an alleged offender can be arrested for OWI for operating any motor vehicle while he or she is under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or any drug.
A driver can face disqualification of their CDL if he or she operates a commercial vehicle either:
- While under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or other drug or a combination of such substances;
- While having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more; or
- While any amount of a controlled substance is present in the person, as measured in the person’s blood or urine.
A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher leads to charges for alleged offenders operating non-commercial vehicles. But arrests in traditional passenger vehicles can jeopardize a commercial driver’s CDL.
Iowa OWI Penalties
Commercial Vehicle OWI convictions bring the same criminal consequences as non-commercial drivers. Prosecutors can seek harsh offenders charged while driving under the influence behind the wheel of commercial vehicles due to the greater potential of a potentially devastating crash that could injure and impact more people.
For a commercial driver convicted of OWI in Iowa, the severity of his or her possible sentence relies on whether or not they have any previous convictions for this serious offense.
Here’s Iowa’s Commercial OWI Penalties
- First Offense — Serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment in the county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,250;
- Second Offense — Aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two year imprisonment in the county jail or community-based correctional facility and/or a fine of up to $8,540;
- Third or Subsequent Offense — Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $9,375.
Longer-Term Consequences
For commercial drivers, the consequences and negative fallout of an OWI conviction don’t stop at just heavy fines and possible jail time. The conviction can have long-term negative implications for their CDL.
The duration of the revocation of their CDL depends on critical factors.
A commercial driver will be ineligible to operate a commercial vehicle for one year for any first OWI conviction involving:
- Being under the influence of alcohol;
- Being under the influence of a controlled substance;
- Having an alcohol concentration of 0.04;
- Refusing to submit to chemical testing.
A driver will have his or her CDL revoked for three years if he or she was operating a commercial motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding.
If an alleged offender has been previously convicted of OWI while operating a commercial vehicle, then any subsequent offense will result in a lifetime disqualification. In certain cases, drivers may be eligible for reinstatement after 10 years.
A Skilled Defender Is a Must to Fighting for Your CDL
A Commercial Vehicle OWI arrest in Iowa brings a grave threat to your CDL and your livelihood. Don’t fight alone.
At Thompson Law, we know Iowa’s CDL law. We know your rights. We know your options. We will review your case, dispute your charges if possible and work for the best possible outcome for you and your future.
Get Thompson Law on your case and on your side. Call us today at 319-820-0444.