Most people in Virginia who operate a commercial vehicle take care to do so safely. In fact, because these big-rigs can be difficult to handle, an operator of a commercial vehicle needs to obtain a special license to operate the vehicles. Truckers can take all safety precautions possible, but accidents do occur, some of which could lead to criminal charges, including drunk driving charges.
According to a recent report, the 33-year-old operator of a logging truck has been charged with driving under the influence following an accident in Virginia Beach. According to police, the accused was behind the wheel of a logging truck when it rolled over, spilling its load on the side of the roadway. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the incident.
The scene of the accident had to be closed to motorists for five hours so that the area could be cleaned up. The accused is now facing multiple criminal charges, including possession of alcohol in a commercial motor vehicle and operating a commercial motor vehicle while intoxicated. The accused was taken to jail following the incident.
Being charged with a DUI is serious no matter what the circumstances. However, it is especially serious for those operating a commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck. This is because a semi-truck driver only needs a blood alcohol content level of 0.04 percent to be charged with DUI, in comparison to the 0.08 legal limit for those driving standard automobiles. Truckers who violate this law could not only face penalties such as fines and the loss of their license, but they could also lose their job. The implications of a conviction could negatively affect a trucker’s life long after they have paid their debt to society. If a person operating a commercial vehicle is charged with DUI, they will want to take all steps necessary to develop a solid defense strategy, so they can avoid the harsh penalties that a conviction would impose.