Wisconsin CDL DUI Lawyer for OWI Defense

If you’re a commercial driver in Wisconsin, a DUI/OWI arrest is a direct threat to your livelihood and career. CDL holders are held to higher standards, meaning a single mistake can jeopardize your career, income, and ability to support your family. At Nero DUI Defense, we understand what’s at stake and offer focused, aggressive representation to protect your CDL and your future.

If you're a CDL holder facing OWI charges, contact Nero DUI Defense immediately. Attorney Adam Nero has a proven track record of success in defending CDL drivers accused of OWIs.

CDL OWI Laws in Wisconsin: What Makes Them Different

Wisconsin’s CDL OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) laws carry unique and severe consequences. CDL holders face stricter regulations, lower legal limits, and longer disqualification periods compared to non-commercial drivers. You can face license disqualification even for offenses that occur in your personal vehicle. If you’re accused, fast action is needed, contact a CDL DUI lawyer as soon as possible. 

What Happens to Your CDL After a DUI Arrest?

A DUI/OWI arrest triggers immediate administrative consequences for your CDL:

• You have only 10 days to appeal an administrative suspension.
• Your CDL can be disqualified for at least one year—even for a first offense.
• If you haul hazardous materials, disqualification increases to three years.
• For a second OWI/DUI offense, your CDL can be revoked for life.

BAC Limits for CDL Drivers in Wisconsin

• Personal Vehicle: Legal limit is 0.08% BAC.
• Commercial Vehicle: Strict federal/state limit of 0.04% BAC.

Penalties for a First CDL OWI Offense

A first-offense OWI conviction for a CDL holder can result in:

• CDL Disqualification: Minimum one-year ban from commercial driving, even if the offense occurred in your personal vehicle.
• Fines: $150–$300 for first offense, plus court costs.
• No occupational license: You cannot get an occupational CDL during your disqualification.
• Mandatory Alcohol Assessment: May be required to complete classes or treatment.
• Employability: Many employers will not allow work pending disqualification, leading to financial hardship.

Second Offense CDL DUI Consequences

A second offense within ten years can lead to:

• Lifetime Disqualification: A second OWI or refusal to test (within ten years) results in automatic, lifetime CDL revocation.
• Fines and Jail: Second offense carries $300–$1,000 in fines, and five days to six months of jail time.
• Difficulty Reinstating: Restoration requires complex procedures (and is often impossible for lifetime bans).

The penalties become even harsher for subsequent offenses. Protecting your CDL is crucial. Contact Nero DUI Defense for aggressive legal representation.

Will I Lose My Commercial Driving Job?

A common consequence is immediate termination. The disqualification of your commercial driving privileges, even temporarily, often results in an employer having no choice but to let you go. Beyond that, securing future employment in the transportation industry becomes extremely challenging after a CDL suspension or revocation, making it difficult to rebound. 

You may also face higher insurance premiums, or even lose coverage altogether, adding another layer of financial burden. The loss of your commercial driving privileges often results in significant income loss, leading to severe financial hardship for you and your family. Protecting your CDL is paramount to protecting your livelihood.

How Long is a CDL Disqualification in Wisconsin?

Disqualification periods vary based on the offense:

No occupational CDL is permitted during disqualification, but you may be able to drive a personal vehicle under specific circumstances.

Can I Drive a Personal Vehicle with a Suspended CDL?

With a suspended CDL, you may still be eligible for an occupational license for non-commercial vehicles (Class D), after a revocation. During the period of your CDL disqualification,

you cannot operate any commercial vehicle regardless of occupational or probationary license status.

Fighting a CDL DUI Charge: Legal Defenses That Work

Defending a CDL OWI requires specialized knowledge of both state and federal regulations. At Nero DUI Defense, you have access to one of the leading focused DUI attorneys in Wisconsin:

• Adam Nero is board-certified by the National College for DUI Defense, a distinction held by only a handful of lawyers in the state.
• Deep experience challenging BAC results, stop legality, officer conduct, and procedural errors.
• Proactive defense strategies to get cases dismissed, reduced, or mitigated to protect your CDL.
• Our sole focus is DUI/OWI defense—giving you a unique edge compared to general practice attorneys.

Why Commercial Drivers Trust Nero DUI Defense

For commercial drivers, a DUI/OWI charge in Wisconsin isn't just a legal hassle; it's a direct threat to their livelihood. That's why so many turn to Attorney Adam Nero, the Western Wisconsin leader in OWI defense for CDL holders. Unlike general practice lawyers, Adam focuses exclusively on DUI defense. This singular dedication means he's always up-to-date on the latest OWI laws and regulations, ensuring you get the most effective and aggressive representation possible.

Nero DUI Defense has a proven track record of success, regularly securing reductions or dismissals for CDL holders. We’ve achieved real results for our clients, including outright dismissals, significant charge reductions, and, critically, preserving CDLs for commercial drivers across the state. When you work with us, you get personalized attention; we work directly with you every step of the way, making sure no detail is missed in building your defense.

Get a Free Case Review with a CDL DUI Attorney Serving Wisconsin

When you choose Nero DUI Defense, we understand the intricate relationship between CDL regulations and OWI laws. We will fight tirelessly to get the charges against you dismissed, negotiate for reduced penalties that minimize the impact on your CDL, and vigorously represent you in court if necessary. We’ll explore every possible defense option to protect your driving privileges and your career.

Don't gamble with your CDL or your future by trusting just any lawyer. With Nero DUI Defense on your side, you significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Ready to protect your livelihood? Contact Nero DUI Defense today at (715) 318-7000 for a free consultation.