When you’re a commercial driver, it’s imperative that you keep your driving record clean. After all, commercial driver’s license (CDL) tickets can be detrimental to the future of your driving career and job possibilities. Commercial drivers have stricter standards that they’re held to than those who drive passenger vehicles. This is partly due to there being the potential for far greater damage if you’re involved in an accident in a commercial vehicle.

Your driving career can also be affected by minor offenses if you have two or more of them on your driving record. A Nashua CDL traffic ticket lawyer, like those at Shepherd & Hayes, PLLC, specializes in commercial driver’s license law and can stand up for you in the event a claim is made against you. They may also be able to help you get points and fines reduced so you can maintain a better driving record.

Laws and Penalties for CDL Licensed Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues all commercial drivers a score on their driving record known as a Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score. This score is based on the driver’s individual crash data and roadside inspection. To ensure you’re a decent candidate for a job opportunity at their company, potential employers check drivers’ CSA scores and driving records before they consider hiring them. So, it’s essential to ensure your driving record is accurate and stays as clean as possible.

Commercial driver laws and penalties vary between states, but there are some general guidelines and rules regarding CDL tickets and violations. In general, in commercial vehicles, the number of points handed out for violations is typically around 1.5x those handed out for personal vehicle violations. For instance, HAZMAT drivers and other drivers with special endorsements can be looking at even higher points and more severe penalties, making CDL ticket dismissal even more challenging.

If ticketed, the number of points you’ll get will depend on if your offense is considered major, serious, or minor. Obviously, major and serious violations would get more points than minor violations. Some violations considered serious or major in all states include:

Running a stop sign or red light
Following another vehicle too closely
Negligent and reckless driving
Driving over the speed limit in excess of 15 mph
Improper lane changes
Failure to secure the load properly
Failure to possess your CDL when driving a commercial vehicle
Driving a commercial vehicle without adequate endorsement

Your CDL license will not likely be suspended if it’s your first offense. But, if within three years you commit another offense, you could lose your license for up to 60 days, and a third offense may get you up to 120 days.

Defending Your Nashua CDL License And Your Livelihood

The essential thing to keep in mind is that if you receive any type of CDL traffic ticket, it could have a permanent impact on your career and driving record. Therefore, it’s important that you don’t just simply pay the ticket without at least consulting with a Nashua CDL traffic ticket lawyer first to see if they can help you reduce or eliminate the points and fines.

Multiple criminal offenses and violations can lead to you losing your CDL. It’s crucial that you get the defense you deserve against any offenses and violations that occur while you’re driving in an official capacity or when you’re driving your personal vehicle.

There’s too much at stake when you’re a CDL driver for you to try and handle your own defense. A CDL criminal defense attorney in Nashua can offer you a strong defense against numerous types of CDL driver-related criminal charges. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle these types of cases and protect your CDL and your future.

When to Call a Nashua CDL Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with a CDL traffic ticket violation or crime, consult with legal representation as soon as possible. The sooner you get them involved in your case and your defense, the better they’ll be able to help you. Depending on the charge, they can contact the court and enter a not-guilty plea. Typically, you won’t need to make an appearance in court on the arraignment date shown on the ticket in order to enter a plea.

The Shepherd & Hayes, PLLC firm brings years of experience & knowledge in New Hampshire and Nashua motor vehicle regulations and laws, particularly those that pertain to commercial vehicles. We’ll work very closely with you to determine which types of charges you’re facing and what your next step should be. Our CDL traffic ticket attorneys can assist CDL drivers with a number of crimes and violations, including:

speeding
DUI/DWI
Reckless driving
Federal vehicle safety violations
Loan overweight violations
Driving without or with a suspended CDL
Other CDL-related offenses

Our CDL traffic ticket attorneys can offer you the experience, skills, and resources that will assist you in finding acceptable solutions to avoid long-term or permanent revocation or suspension of your CDL. We’ll take all steps possible to defend your CDL and your legal rights effectively.

Contact Our Experienced Nashua CDL Traffic Ticket Lawyers at Shepherd & Hayes, PLLC Today

If you’re a CDL driver in Nashua and believe your CDL is being threatened by traffic violation charges, it’s important to seek legal advice. A CDL traffic ticket lawyer here at Shepherd & Hayes, PLLC will review the charges against you and consult with you about potential penalties and consequences you may receive.

Shepherd & Hayes, PLLC brings years of trustworthy dedication, credibility, and experience to the table for criminal defense cases in Nashua and all over New Hampshire. If you’ve been charged with a CDL traffic ticket violation or crime, don’t hesitate to call us at (603) 233-1626 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today.