Commercial Driver Violation Attorney in Fort Worth, Texas

No driver on the road can operate a vehicle without committing (knowingly or unknowingly) a traffic violation every now and then. Even the most responsible and careful drivers make mistakes from time to time. However, if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you are held to a higher standard than regular drivers.  

For any CDL holder, facing a commercial driver traffic violation can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. After all, a traffic offense conviction could put your CDL and your entire career in jeopardy. If you lose your commercial driver’s license, you may no longer be able to earn a living, which is why you need to know what to do to defend yourself against the alleged CDL violation and get a traffic ticket dismissed. 

The commercial driver violation attorney at Kim Hamilton Attorney at Law assists CDL holders facing charges for a traffic offense throughout Texas, including Tarrant and Johnson Counties. If you have been accused of committing a CDL violation, it is essential to contact Attorney Kim Hamilton’s office in Fort Worth, Texas, for a case evaluation.  

What Can Happen If You Get a Commercial Driver Violation?  

There are several repercussions commercial drivers face when convicted of a CDL violation in Texas:  

• Disqualification for 60 days or 120 days. Commercial drivers can be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for up to 120 days, depending on the number and severity of traffic violations. The 60-day disqualification applies to drivers convicted of two serious traffic violations within three years. Drivers who have three convictions within three years can be disqualified for 120 days.  

• Job loss. When a commercial driver is convicted of a CDL violation, their conviction is reported to the Department of Public Safety and the driver’s employer. If your employer finds out about your commercial driver traffic violation, you are at risk of losing your job.  

Paying a traffic ticket or handling your CDL violation incorrectly can lead to unforeseen and unintended repercussions. That is why you need the assistance of a commercial driver violation attorney in Fort Worth, Texas, to defend you against the charges in the most effective manner possible.  

Common Commercial Driver Traffic Violations  

There are many types of commercial driver traffic violations. Some of the most common CDL violations generally involve moving offenses, including but not limited to:  

• Speeding 

• Reckless driving 

• Careless driving 

• Passing illegally 

• Following too closely 

• Improper lane changes or turns 

• Failing to obey traffic signs or signals 

• Operating without a valid license or endorsement/permit 

• Operating an unsafe vehicle (such as one with broken lights or tires) 

• Failing to secure cargo properly 

All of these behaviors can put other drivers on the road in danger, which is why they constitute a traffic violation when committed by a CDL holder.  

How to Fight a CDL Violation?  

When it comes to defending traffic tickets issued in Texas to those holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL), having the help of a skilled traffic ticket attorney is essential. Generally, there are three ways to fight a CDL violation:  

1. Evaluate the details of your case and applicable court procedures, which may lead to dismissal on “technicalities” 

2. Plea bargaining with prosecutors that can result in reduced fines or other charges 

3. Fighting against the charges to get a dismissal 

Each case is unique, which is why the best strategy to fight a CDL violation will depend on a number of factors. The commercial driver violation attorney in Fort Worth, Texas – Kim Hamilton Attorney at Law – can offer invaluable insight into how you can fight a CDL violation in your unique situation.  

How Long Do You Have to Challenge Your CDL Suspension?  

If you are a CDL holder whose license has been suspended because of a traffic violation, you might wonder how long you have to challenge the suspension. Generally, drivers whose CDL was suspended have 20 days to request an administrative hearing in an attempt to challenge their CDL suspension. However, you may have to wait up to four months for the hearing to happen. 

If you scheduled an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension of your CDL, contact a skilled attorney to represent your best interests at the hearing. Your attorney will work toward getting your CDL suspension dismissed. Alternatively, an attorney has everything necessary to negotiate a deferred adjudication.  

How Can a Commercial Driver Violation Attorney Help?  

If you find yourself facing any type of citation related to your CDL—whether it is minor or major—it is vital to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney who specializes in this area of law. An attorney will be able to review your case and look for potential defenses that may apply in your situation—defenses that could ultimately result in reduced fines or even the dismissal of the charges against you.  

Additionally, depending on what state you are located in and what type of violation occurred, an attorney has the resources to help negotiate alternative punishments.