
If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and have been charged with a DUI or OWI in Wisconsin, the stakes are higher than for standard drivers. A DUI can lead to serious license disqualifications, career setbacks, and long-term consequences. At our Milwaukee law firm, we help CDL drivers understand their rights and fight to protect their licenses and futures.
Wisconsin law has strict penalties for CDL holders who are convicted of alcohol or drug-related offenses. These rules apply to offenses committed while operating a commercial motor vehicle or by a CDL holder, even if the incident occurred in a personal vehicle.
CDL disqualification rules include:
First offense: 1-year disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle. If transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification increases to 3 years.
Second or subsequent offenses: Lifetime disqualification, if the first offense occurred after July 1, 1987.
Even a single DUI can threaten your career as a commercial driver. That’s why it’s important to have a Milwaukee defense attorney review your case and help you explore all available options.
CDL DUI cases are not the same as standard OWI cases. Penalties are more severe, and employers, insurance companies, and licensing authorities may become involved. Losing your CDL can affect your livelihood immediately. A CDL driver may also face additional consequences, including:
Suspension of personal driving privileges
Fines and court costs
Required alcohol or drug evaluation programs
Employer disciplinary actions, including job loss
A Milwaukee defense lawyer can work to protect your rights and challenge the evidence in your case. Some ways we build a strong defense include:
Reviewing all evidence: Every record, video, and chemical test result is carefully examined to ensure accuracy and compliance with the law.
Checking probable cause: We investigate the stop and the arrest to confirm that law enforcement followed proper procedures.
Analyzing chemical tests: Blood, breath, and urine tests are reviewed to identify errors in collection, storage, or analysis.
Ensuring due process: We make sure your legal rights were respected throughout the arrest and court process.
Court representation: We attend all hearings, motions, and trials to advocate for the best possible outcome.
Our approach is thorough and personal. We understand the stress of facing a CDL OWI charge, and we guide our clients every step of the way.
CDL DUI cases move quickly. Deadlines for hearings, appeals, and license reinstatement can be tight. Speaking with a Milwaukee defense attorney as soon as possible increases your chances of reducing penalties and keeping your career on track.
Even if you feel confident about the case, an attorney can uncover details that may make a difference in the outcome. From procedural mistakes to testing errors, there are often opportunities to build a strong defense that could reduce or even eliminate disqualification time.
If you hold a CDL and have been charged with a DUI or OWI, don’t wait to get legal help. The penalties for commercial drivers are serious, and the right defense can protect your career and future. Call (414)-939-9650 to schedule a consultation regarding your DUI CDL defense in Milwaukee, WI. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and begin building a defense tailored to your situation. Your job, your license, and your future are worth fighting for.
If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and have been charged with a DUI or OWI in Wisconsin, the stakes are higher than for standard drivers. A DUI can lead to serious license disqualifications, career setbacks, and long-term consequences. At our Milwaukee law firm, we help CDL drivers understand their rights and fight to protect their licenses and futures.
Wisconsin law has strict penalties for CDL holders who are convicted of alcohol or drug-related offenses. These rules apply to offenses committed while operating a commercial motor vehicle or by a CDL holder, even if the incident occurred in a personal vehicle.
CDL disqualification rules include:
First offense: 1-year disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle. If transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification increases to 3 years.
Second or subsequent offenses: Lifetime disqualification, if the first offense occurred after July 1, 1987.
Even a single DUI can threaten your career as a commercial driver. That’s why it’s important to have a Milwaukee defense attorney review your case and help you explore all available options.
CDL DUI cases are not the same as standard OWI cases. Penalties are more severe, and employers, insurance companies, and licensing authorities may become involved. Losing your CDL can affect your livelihood immediately. A CDL driver may also face additional consequences, including:
Suspension of personal driving privileges
Fines and court costs
Required alcohol or drug evaluation programs
Employer disciplinary actions, including job loss
A Milwaukee defense lawyer can work to protect your rights and challenge the evidence in your case. Some ways we build a strong defense include:
Reviewing all evidence: Every record, video, and chemical test result is carefully examined to ensure accuracy and compliance with the law.
Checking probable cause: We investigate the stop and the arrest to confirm that law enforcement followed proper procedures.
Analyzing chemical tests: Blood, breath, and urine tests are reviewed to identify errors in collection, storage, or analysis.
Ensuring due process: We make sure your legal rights were respected throughout the arrest and court process.
Court representation: We attend all hearings, motions, and trials to advocate for the best possible outcome.
Our approach is thorough and personal. We understand the stress of facing a CDL OWI charge, and we guide our clients every step of the way.
CDL DUI cases move quickly. Deadlines for hearings, appeals, and license reinstatement can be tight. Speaking with a Milwaukee defense attorney as soon as possible increases your chances of reducing penalties and keeping your career on track.
Even if you feel confident about the case, an attorney can uncover details that may make a difference in the outcome. From procedural mistakes to testing errors, there are often opportunities to build a strong defense that could reduce or even eliminate disqualification time.
If you hold a CDL and have been charged with a DUI or OWI, don’t wait to get legal help. The penalties for commercial drivers are serious, and the right defense can protect your career and future. Call (414)-939-9650 to schedule a consultation regarding your DUI CDL defense in Milwaukee, WI. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and begin building a defense tailored to your situation. Your job, your license, and your future are worth fighting for.

"I was stopped for 20 over in a 30mph zone - a 6 point $149ticket. Attorney John Bayer had an affordable price and guaranteed that he could get it reduced to a 2 point defective speedometer ticket. All it took was a 5 minute phone call conversation to finalize things. He was able to attend court for me and he was able to get my ticket reduced to a 2 point parking violation. John is very friendly and made this process as easy as possible. I am beyond grateful for the outcome and I will be recommending him to everyone I know in the future."
"I was facing a fair amount of time as a guest of the state at the graybar hotel. Atty Bayer fought the good fight for me. He found a potential loophole in the law that he felt could get the charge against me dropped. The judge did not interpret the law the way Atty Bayer did, so unfortunately I lost the case. But because of the fight Atty Bayer put up, combined with other contributing factors of my case, I only got 1 year as a guest of the state. Not bad for a 6th offense, in Milwaukee county. I swear by Atty Bayer. He is a great attorney, & a really compassionate & kind man."
"Honestly one of he easiest interactions I’ve ever had with a lawyer. They stepped up handled my speeding tickets and anxiety about it no problem. Everything was handled in one call, they updated me through the whole process. Make them your first call for any kind of traffic trouble."
When confronted with an OWI charge or criminal charges, the situation can feel daunting and overwhelming. We are here to help you shape your path to a better outcome.