Burlington County Commercial Driver DWI Lawyer — Protect Your CDL
A Commercial Driver DWI Lawyer Burlington County is essential if you hold a CDL and face a DWI charge. In New Jersey, a DWI conviction for a commercial driver can result in a one-year CDL suspension for a first offense, even with a low BAC. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey DWI Laws for Commercial Drivers
New Jersey law imposes stricter standards on commercial drivers. Under N.J.S.A. 39:3-10.13, a commercial driver is considered “under the influence” if they operate a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher—half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers. A first-offense DWI for a CDL holder carries a mandatory one-year disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle, regardless of whether the offense occurred in a personal or commercial vehicle. A second offense results in a lifetime CDL disqualification.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:3-10.13 (official New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures, visit the Burlington Vicinage Municipal Court website.
Defending a Commercial Driver DWI in Burlington County
Burlington County Municipal Court handles all DWI cases. For a commercial driver, the immediate goal is to avoid a conviction that triggers the automatic CDL suspension. A common defense strategy involves challenging the traffic stop’s legality or the accuracy of the breath test calibration. The court at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, sees many CDL cases, and prosecutors are aware of the severe consequences.
- Immediate Action After Arrest: Do not discuss the incident. Contact a Commercial Driver DWI Lawyer Burlington County as early as possible to begin preserving evidence and requesting discovery from the prosecutor.
- Administrative Review: Understand that a DWI arrest triggers both a court case and potential action from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission against your CDL privileges.
- Case Analysis: Your lawyer will scrutinize the police report, dash/body cam footage, and breath test machine maintenance records for procedural errors.
- Negotiation & Strategy: Depending on the evidence, your attorney may negotiate to reduce the charge to a non-disqualifying offense like reckless driving, or file motions to suppress evidence.
- Trial Preparation: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare for a trial in Municipal Court, challenging the state’s evidence before a judge.
- Post-Trial Actions: If convicted, your lawyer can advise on appealing the decision or seeking a restricted license for non-commercial purposes during the suspension period.
Penalties for a Commercial Driver DWI Conviction
In Burlington County, a DWI conviction for a commercial driver carries severe penalties including mandatory CDL suspension, large fines, and potential job loss.
| Offense | CDL Disqualification | Fine & Court Costs | License Impact (Basic) | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DWI (BAC 0.04%+) | 1 Year Minimum | $300 – $500 + surcharges | 3-12 month suspension | IDRC program; ignition interlock may be required; permanent criminal record. |
| 2nd DWI (BAC 0.04%+) | Lifetime Disqualification | $500 – $1,000 + surcharges | 2-year suspension | 30 days community service; mandatory ignition interlock; substantial insurance increases. |
| DWI in Personal Vehicle (BAC 0.08%+) | 1 Year Minimum | $300 – $500 + surcharges | 3-12 month suspension | CDL disqualified even though offense was not in a commercial vehicle. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your CDL DWI Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand that for a commercial driver, a DWI charge is not just a legal issue—it’s a direct threat to your career and family’s financial security. Our approach is built on this understanding.
Our Record in Burlington County
While every case is unique, our firm actively represents clients in Burlington County Municipal Court. Our defense strategies for commercial drivers focus on the specific evidence in your case, from challenging the initial stop to questioning breath test procedures. A favorable outcome in a CDL DWI case can mean avoiding a conviction altogether, or reducing the charge to one that does not carry a mandatory disqualification.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Commercial Driver DWI Defense Team
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Burlington County courts. We are a commercial driver DWI lawyer near Mount Holly, also serving Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lose my CDL for a DWI in my personal car?
Yes. New Jersey law mandates a one-year CDL disqualification for a first DWI conviction, even if you were driving your personal vehicle at the time of the arrest.
Is the legal limit different for commercial drivers?
Yes. The legal BAC limit for a commercial driver operating a commercial vehicle is 0.04%. For a non-commercial vehicle, the standard 0.08% limit applies, but a conviction still triggers CDL disqualification.
What should I do first after a CDL DWI arrest?
It depends on your immediate situation. First, exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact a driving while intoxicated defense lawyer Burlington County as soon as possible. Do not discuss the case with anyone before speaking with an attorney, as your CDL is at stake.
Can I plea bargain a CDL DWI down to a lesser charge?
It is possible in some cases, depending on the evidence. An experienced impaired driving charge lawyer Burlington County may negotiate to reduce a DWI to a reckless or careless driving offense, which may not carry the same mandatory CDL disqualification, though other penalties still apply.
How long will a DWI stay on my commercial driving record?
A DWI conviction will remain on your New Jersey driving record permanently. For employers regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a DWI conviction must be reported and will appear on your Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report for life.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Burlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Burlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer pages. For an overview of our traffic defense practice, visit our New Jersey Traffic Lawyer hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey commercial driver dwi practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
DWI and traffic charges are heard first in the municipal court for the town where the stop occurred; appeals go to the Law Division of the county Superior Court. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 (driving while intoxicated) within N.J.S.A. Title 39, the motor vehicle and traffic code. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Commercial Driver DWI Defense Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Commercial Driver DWI Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Commercial Driver DWI Attorney Monmouth County, NJ.