Why You Should Fight a CDL Violation

If you have a CDL, then you know how important it is to protect your CDL. Without it, you can’t drive and lose your job. Receiving traffic violations can quickly put a CDL license holder at serious risk of losing their job. Why? Because CDL drivers have a different set of laws applied to them for traffic violations, especially when it comes to punishment. Texas and Federal laws do not allow plea agreements for CDL drivers that do not result in convictions.

The worst thing you can do is simply pay a traffic citation. Simply paying your fine for a traffic ticket means that you agree that you are “guilty” of the charge, and are, therefore, “convicted.”  For a CDL driver, being convicted of, or found guilty of a traffic ticket can have at least five (5) serious consequences.

First: High fine amounts

If you are guilty, you must pay a monetary fine.  Depending on the traffic violation, the fine could be several hundred dollars. Hiring Todd E. Tkach to fight your traffic ticket could result in a dismissal of the charges. In that event, you don’t have to pay any fine!! Even if the ticket is not dismissed outright, attorney, Todd E. Tkach will aggressively negotiate for a favorable plea agreement, including a reduced fine amount.

Second: Increased automobile insurance rates

Convictions of traffic tickets can raise your automobile insurance rates. For CDL drivers, traffic ticket convictions can result in being dropped from automobile insurance coverage. All trucking insurance companies check your driving record before agreeing to insure you or renew your automobile insurance. In fact, many of them routinely check your driving record, regardless of whether it’s up for renewal. Having “convictions” for traffic tickets on your driving record can cost you money with increased premium amounts or they could drop insurance coverage completely. Your automobile insurance company may increase your insurance rates when you apply for new insurance or for a renewal of your existing insurance. In some cases, they will immediately drop you.

Avoid insurance increases or a loss of insurance coverage! Hire attorney, Todd E. Tkach to prevent a conviction and protect your insurance rates, insurance coverage and your job.

Third: CDL Suspension or Disqualification

It takes only 2 convictions of “serious violations,” as defined by the Texas Transportation Code, to get a suspension of your CDL. In fact, there are some single violations that, if convicted, require a suspension or disqualification of your CDL. Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety can suspend your driver’s license if you get as few as four (4) convictions within twelve (12) months. If that happens, you cannot legally drive. With so much at stake, qualified legal representation is essential for any CDL driver charged with a traffic violation.

CDL Revocation, Suspension or Disqualification

Fourth: Loss of Employment

For some CDL drivers, only 1 conviction of any violation will result in immediate termination of their employment. The reason is simple: Money! Trucking companies have to pay additional insurance premium amounts if their drivers are convicted of traffic violations. Each trucking company will have their own policy on this issue, but have no doubt; convictions for traffic violations will eventually result in loss of employment and difficulty finding future employment. Additionally, convictions of certain violations can result in a suspension or disqualification of your CDL. In that event, you can’t drive and will most likely be terminated from employment. Don’t risk being convicted of these CDL violations. We’ll fight for a dismissal of all violaitons. If we can’t obtain an outright dismissal, we’ll fight to get a dismissal through plea negotiations and keep the charges off your driving record.

Fifth: Enhanced charges for multiple violations

All traffic tickets, traffic violations, code violations and other municipal tickets are “Class C” misdemeanors, according to the laws of the State of Texas. The range of punishment for Class C misdemeanors does not include jail time. The punishment range is “fine only.” All Class C misdemeanors are initially handled in Municipal Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts. Although these are the lowest level of criminal courts in the State, some Class C misdemeanors can have significant and long-term effects. For example, multiple convictions for disorderly conduct can be enhanced to Class B or Class A misdemeanors, which carry jail time in their range of punishment. A conviction for a charge of Class C assault/family violence can be enhanced and can prohibit you from owning or possessing a firearm.

Don’t get caught in the vicious cycle of CDL suspensions,  sky-high truck insurance rates and loss of employment. Call attorney Todd E. Tkach to make sure your rights are protected!

 

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Why Fight a CDL Violation?

Why You Need a CDL Attorney

CDL Revocation, Suspension or Disqualification

In addition to defending you for your CDL violations, we can also defend your CDL itself in any revocation, suspension or disqualification action almost anywhere in the State of Texas. For further information, see Our CDL Defense Practice.

The Differences Between CDL Revocations, Suspensions and Disqualifications

CDL Revocation, Suspension and Disqualification Procedures and Possible Punishments

Causes of CDL Revocation, Suspension or Disqualification Procedures

Texas Point System and CDL Revocation, Suspension or Disqualification

Dangerous Myths About Suspensions and Disqualifications

CDL Drivers: Don’t Let Them Take Away Your Livelihood!