Commercial Drivers License

Defending Your Driving Rights, Protecting Your Future. Don't lose your license we can help you stay on the road.

El Paso Commercial Drivers’ License Lawyer

Attorney for Commercial License Holders in El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson & Surrounding Counties

In the trucking industry, even a minor traffic violation can have major consequences. Unlike a standard Class C driver, you are held to a higher standard by both the State of Texas and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When your license is on the line, you cannot afford to rely on a general practice lawyer. You need an experienced El Paso Commercial Drivers License Attorney who understands the specific nuances of trucking regulations.

At Aaronson Law Firm, we have been defending drivers in West Texas for over 40 years. We understand that for a professional driver, a conviction is not just a fine—it is a permanent mark on your record that can skyrocket insurance premiums, ruin your CSA score, and even result in disqualification. Whether you were stopped at the Sierra Blanca checkpoint, pulled over on I-10, or flagged at the Ysleta-Zaragoza Port of Entry, we are here to fight for you.

Why CDL Violations Are Different in Texas

Many drivers assume they can simply pay a ticket and move on, or perhaps take a defensive driving course to keep it off their record. For CDL holders, the reality is much harsher.

State and federal laws—specifically the “Anti-Masking” provisions—prevent courts from deferring adjudication or dismissing traffic violations for CDL holders in the same way they do for regular drivers. This means that strategies used for a standard speeding ticket often fail when applied to a commercial driver. You need a CDL defense lawyer who knows how to navigate these complex statutes.

The “Anti-Masking” Trap

Texas law prohibits judges from allowing CDL holders to take defensive driving or receive deferred adjudication for moving violations. This applies even if you were driving your personal vehicle at the time of the citation. A conviction for a moving violation will appear on your driving record, potentially affecting your employment status.

Texas CDL defense infographic by Aaronson Law Firm helping commercial truck drivers in El Paso and West Texas protect their license after DWI or suspension.
Aaronson Law Firm’s CDL Defense Roadmap: A visual guide for Texas commercial drivers facing DWI charges, ALR hearings, and CDL disqualification.

As your commercial driver’s license attorney, Michael Aaronson’s goal is to find legal grounds to dismiss the citation entirely or negotiate an outcome that minimizes the damage to your long-term driving privileges. We look for procedural errors, lack of probable cause, and technical deficiencies in the citation itself.

Common Violations Our CDL Traffic Ticket Lawyer Handles

El Paso is a major transportation hub, connecting the United States and Mexico via the Bridge of the Americas and the Zaragoza Bridge, and serving as a critical artery along Interstate 10. With heavy truck traffic comes heavy enforcement. We represent drivers facing a wide array of charges, including:

  • Serious Traffic Violations: Excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit), reckless driving, improper lane changes, and following too closely.

  • Logbook and Hours of Service (HOS) Violations: Accusations of falsifying logs or driving beyond the federal limits.

  • Overweight and Equipment Violations: Citations issued at weigh stations or during roadside inspections regarding load limits, brakes, or lights.

  • Grade Restrictions: Violations related to driving on roads not designated for commercial transport, often a common issue near Transmountain Road (Loop 375).

  • Railroad Crossing Violations: Failing to stop or check for clearance at tracks.

  • Driving While License Invalid (DWLI): Operating a commercial vehicle while your privileges are suspended or revoked.

CDL DWI Defense in El Paso

18 WHEELER TRUCKER PULLED OVER IN JEAPORDY OF LOSING A LICENSE

Perhaps the most devastating charge a trucker can face is Driving While Intoxicated. The standards for commercial drivers are significantly stricter than for the general public.

While the legal limit for most drivers is 0.08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), commercial drivers are considered legally intoxicated at just 0.04% BAC while operating a commercial vehicle. Furthermore, even if you are arrested for DWI in your personal car on a Saturday night, a conviction can still result in a mandatory suspension of your CDL.

  • First Offense: Typically results in a one-year disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle. If you were transporting hazardous materials (HazMat), the disqualification is three years.

  • Second Offense: A second DWI conviction—or a combination of a DWI and another major offense—results in a lifetime disqualification of your CDL.

If you have been charged with a DWI, time is of the essence. You need a commercial drivers license attorney immediately to handle the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing and fight the criminal charges. At Aaronson Law Firm, we aggressively challenge the validity of the stop, the accuracy of the chemical tests, and the administration of field sobriety tests.

Local Representation for Over-the-Road Truckers

We understand that many of the drivers charged in El Paso do not live here. You may be based in Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, or anywhere across the country, just passing through the Sun City when you encountered legal trouble.

The logistical nightmare of trying to return to El Paso for a court date can be overwhelming. In many cases, we can appear in court on your behalf, saving you the expense and lost wages associated with traveling back to El Paso and West Texas.

El Paso CDL defense attorney assisting a commercial truck driver in front of a semi-truck, representing legal help for CDL suspensions in Texas.

We handle cases arising from all major thoroughfares and jurisdictions in the area, including:

  • Interstate 10 (I-10): From the Anthony, TX state line down to the Clint and Fabens exits.

  • Loop 375 and US-54: Common areas for speed traps and lane violations.

  • Hudspeth County: Including citations issued near the Sierra Blanca border patrol checkpoint.

  • Local Municipal Courts: Including Horizon City, Socorro, Vinton, and Canutillo.

The Cost of a Conviction vs. The Cost of Defense

When you are looking for a truck driver lawyer, you might be worried about legal fees. However, you must weigh that against the long-term cost of a conviction.

  1. Employment Termination: Many trucking companies have zero-tolerance policies for certain violations or will fire drivers once their insurance becomes too expensive.

  2. Uninsurability: If you are an owner-operator, a bad record can make obtaining liability insurance impossible, effectively putting you out of business.

  3. CSA Points: Points accrue on both the driver’s and the carrier’s record. High CSA scores lead to more frequent roadside inspections, creating a cycle of scrutiny and violations.

  4. License Suspension: Losing your license means losing your ability to work.

Investing in a skilled CDL defense lawyer is an investment in your career longevity.

License Suspensions and Occupational Licenses

If your license has already been suspended due to unpaid tickets, a DWI, or medical certification issues, you are not out of options. Aaronson Law Firm specializes in license reinstatement and obtaining Occupational Driver’s Licenses (ODL).

An ODL is a restricted license that allows you to drive for essential needs, including work. While obtaining an ODL for a commercial vehicle involves specific hurdles and is not always possible depending on the nature of the suspension, we can review your specific situation to see if we can get you back on the road legally. We handle the SR-22 insurance filings and petition the court on your behalf.

Why Choose Aaronson Law Firm?

With so many lawyers advertising traffic defense, why should you choose Michael Aronson as your El Paso commercial drivers license attorney?

  • 40+ Years of Experience: We have seen every type of citation and every type of prosecutorial strategy. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local court procedures.

  • Dedicated Focus: We don’t just dabble in traffic law; it is a core pillar of our practice. We stay up-to-date on the changing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

  • Straight Talk: We will not promise you an outcome we cannot deliver. We provide an honest assessment of your case and the likely results.

  • Hablamos Español: We provide full bilingual representation, ensuring that language barriers never stand in the way of a robust defense.

Protecting Your Future, One Mile at a Time

You drive the miles, deliver the goods, and keep the economy moving. You deserve legal representation that works as hard as you do. Do not let a ticket in El Paso derail a career you have spent years building.

If you have received a citation, been arrested for DWI, or notified of a license suspension, contact the Aaronson Law Firm immediately. We are the commercial drivers license attorney trusted by truckers across Texas and the Southwest.

Call us today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal heavy lifting so you can keep your eyes on the road.

Aaronson Law Firm is dedicated to handling all types of traffic matters, from citations to DWIs, license suspensions and revocations, acquiring occupational licenses, and more. Attorney Aaronson has been handling these issues for more than 40 years for drivers throughout the greater El Paso area, including truck drivers and others holding commercial licenses. With that kind of experience at your disposal, you can be confident that what can be done will be done to help you keep your driving record clean and your license in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions for CDL Holders

Can I just pay the fine for a speeding ticket? Paying the fine is an admission of guilt. For a CDL holder, this results in a conviction on your permanent record. This can affect your CSA score and employment. You should always consult with a CDL traffic ticket lawyer before paying any fine.

Can a lawyer keep a ticket off my record if I have a CDL? Because of the ban on deferred adjudication for CDL holders, “keeping it off the record” is more difficult than for regular drivers, but it is not impossible. We fight to get citations dismissed or amended to non-moving violations that do not carry the same weight with insurance companies or the FMCSA.

I was in my personal car. Does it still affect my CDL? Yes. Major violations in your personal vehicle can trigger a disqualification of your commercial driving privileges. This is especially true for serious offenses like DWI or leaving the scene of an accident.

Do I have to appear in court in El Paso? In many traffic and misdemeanor cases, your commercial drivers license attorney can appear on your behalf, meaning you do not have to disrupt your route or take time off work to travel back to El Paso.

Talk to our El Paso commercial driver’s license attorney about your legal case in a complimentary consultation by contacting Aaronson Law Firm.

Location: 7362 Remcon Circle El Paso, Texas 79912

Phone: (915) 533-0110

Website: AaronsonLawTx.com

The Aaronson Law Firm serves clients in El Paso County, Hudspeth County, Culberson County, and throughout West Texas. Whether you are an local delivery driver or a long-haul trucker, we are your defense on the border.

 

License Issues for Commercial Drivers

Moving violations, such as speeding, tailgating, running stop signs, and more can add demerit points to your driving record. These points can impact your insurance rates when they are discovered by insurers. Employers of CDL holders generally only want to hire and keep drivers with clean records to avoid higher insurance costs. Thus, keeping your driving record clean is a must.

Furthermore, accumulating traffic tickets can lead to an automatic license suspension for all drivers in Texas. Too many moving violations, such as four or more within 12 months or seven within 24 months, can result in a license suspension. Additionally, you can lose your license for traffic violations involving alcohol or drugs, such as DWI or being involved in a traffic-related death due to reckless driving.

Commercial drivers convicted of a first-offense DWI can lose their license for a year. If you were transporting hazardous material, you can lose your CDL for three years.

CDL holders can also lose their license forever when convicted of two or more various offenses such as:

  • DWI
  • Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Causing a traffic fatality
  • Committing a felony with the use of a motor vehicle

Our El Paso CDL attorney can help you fight traffic tickets as well as DWIs and license suspensions imposed for any reason. Attorney Aaronson knows how to determine your options in contesting citations as well as suspensions, traffic misdemeanors, and even traffic felonies. He also engages in seeking license suspension appeals. Our goal is to use our extensive experience in the area of traffic law to keep your record clean, keep you on the road, and keep you self-supporting.

Connect with Aaronson Law Firm online or at to consult with our El Paso commercial driver’s license lawyer today. 

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