Many Illinois residents have commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) in order to drive certain trucks both short and long distances. A drunk driving charge puts that license in jeopardy, and so does refusing to submit to a drug test or blood alcohol test. A tow truck driver was recently arrested on suspicion of DUI, and he faces losing his CDL license for a year because he apparently refused to submit to a drug test.
Reports indicate that on Jan. 18, the tow truck driver drove through several residential yards before smashing through a home. His flatbed truck ended up in the homeowner’s family room. Police allege that the driver admitted to taking a prescription medication sometime prior to the crash that night.
Losing his license for a year might be bad enough, but if he is convicted of the current DUI charge, he could lose his CDL permanently. This is due to a 2012 motorcycle accident resulting in a DUI conviction for which he completed court-ordered supervision. The DUI remains on his record, and a second DUI could result in the permanent loss of his CDL.
This man is likely working with his criminal defense attorney to prepare for the coming court proceedings. Depending on the circumstances and the evidence that Illinois prosecutors intend to present to the court, his options need to be determined. A review of that evidence, along with any witness statements and police reports, could reveal a way to avoid another drunk driving conviction and keep the loss of this man’s CDL to no more than one year. In addition, it might also be possible to appeal the suspension of that license, but this possibility also needs to be explored immediately.
Source: kwqc.com, “TV-6 Investigates: Tow truck driver who repeatedly rammed houses faces permanent loss of CDL”, Mark Stevens, Feb. 1, 2017
