Cleveland CDL DUI Lawyer

Cleveland CDL DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI), more commonly known as operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) under Ohio law, is a serious crime that can have lasting effects on your life. Unfortunately for commercial drivers, an OVI conviction in Cleveland can have even more severe penalties and result in the loss of your commercial driving privileges. If you were charged with an OVI in Cleveland, it’s crucial that you seek legal support from a skilled Cleveland CDL DUI lawyer.

Your Trusted OVI Defense Team in Cleveland

At Fortress Law Group, LLC, we have spent years advocating for the rights of Ohio’s commercial drivers. We understand that an OVI conviction has the potential to impact your career and your personal life, which is why we work tirelessly to build a defense that’s tailored to the unique needs of your charge. Our team has the knowledge, resources, and negotiation skills needed to help you combat Cleveland OVI charges and secure a positive outcome.

What Is a Commercial Driver’s License in Ohio?

Cleveland is known for its transportation resources, making it a valuable industry to the state. As of February 2025, there are about 188.4 thousand jobs in the trade, transportation, and utilities sectors in Cleveland. These industries often require employees to have a CDL, which comes with specific responsibilities when it comes to operating a commercial vehicle.

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a license that allows a driver to operate large, specialized motor vehicles for a company. Obtaining a CDL in Ohio involves passing a written knowledge test as well as a specialized skills test. With this type of license, you are legally allowed to operate buses, large trucks, and any vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

There are three different classes of CDL that a Cleveland driver can obtain:

1. Class A CDL. Drivers can operate flatbeds, livestock carriers, tanker vehicles, tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and most Class B and Class C vehicles.
2. Class B CDL. Drivers can operate box trucks, dump trucks with small trailers, large buses, segmented buses, straight trucks, and some Class C vehicles.
3. Class C CDL. Drivers can operate buses, double and triple trailers, HazMat vehicles, and tank trucks.

CDL and OVI Statistics in Ohio

Whenever a driver gets behind the wheel of their vehicle, they take on the responsibility to operate that vehicle safely and watch for others on the road. For CDL drivers, that responsibility weighs even more.

From 2020 to 2025, there have been 63,578 OVI crashes reported in Ohio, including 3,268 fatal incidents. In 2024 alone, there were a total of 4,746 accidents involving large trucks and another 686 accidents involving buses in Ohio. A number of these incidents can be attributed to OVIs.

Because any level of intoxication can impair your ability to drive safely, OVIs can be extremely dangerous, especially when you’re operating a large commercial vehicle. Injuries are often more severe when commercial vehicles are involved in accidents, and fatalities are more common, underscoring the importance of the state’s strict CDL laws.

Understanding Ohio’s OVI Laws for CDL Drivers

Every state has the authority to create laws dictating how driving under the influence is charged and penalized. In Ohio, OVI rules for CDL drivers are as follows:

• For starters, you are not allowed to operate a commercial motor vehicle if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 04 percent or higher. For all other Class D drivers, the BAC limit is typically 0.08 percent.
• If you have a BAC of 17 or higher, it’s considered an aggravated OVI, which can result in more severe penalties. An OVI charge with an extremely high BAC can be considered a felony, even if it’s your first offense.
• A first-time OVI charge for a CDL driver in Ohio can result in CDL suspension for one year. A second offense can result in permanent CDL expulsion. It’s important to note that if any trace of alcohol below 0.04 percent is detected during a test, the driver’s CDL is disqualified for 24 hours.

FAQs

Q: What Happens If I Get a DUI With a CDL in Cleveland?

A: If you are a CDL holder and get a DUI in Cleveland, otherwise known as an OVI, you can expect to face penalties such as CDL license suspension, fines, potential probation, and more. On a first offense, you can expect to have your license suspended for one year. In addition to court-ordered penalties, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase.

Q: Can You Get Your CDL Back After an OVI Conviction in Cleveland?

A: It is possible to have your CDL reinstated after getting a DUI in Cleveland. Typically, a first-time DUI offense results in a one-year suspension. After this suspension period, you must complete all mandated treatment programs and pay applicable fees for CDL reinstatement. You also must retake your driver’s test. A Cleveland CDL DUI lawyer at Fortress Law Group, LLC can help you better understand how to move forward with reinstatement after your suspension ends.

Q: How Likely Is Jail Time for a First-Time DUI Offense in Cleveland?

A: First-time OVI offenses in Cleveland can include jail time between three days and six months. However, you may be able to serve this time in a Driver’s Intervention Program (DIP) instead. This is typically a three-day substance safety education program that involves classes, group discussions, screenings, and more. There are also some cases where your lawyer can negotiate alternative sentencing and work to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Q: Is It Difficult to Get a CDL Job With a DUI on Your Record in Cleveland?

A: In Cleveland, it can be challenging to secure a job that requires you to have a CDL after you’ve gotten a DUI. However, you can have your CDL reinstated after a one-year suspension. This means you still have the opportunity to apply for jobs that require a CDL upon reinstatement. With that said, a DUI stays on your record forever, so an employer may be disinclined to hire you even if you do have a CDL. A skilled Cleveland CDL DUI lawyer can help you combat these charges and keep them off your record.

Your Cleveland CDL DUI Team

If you’re a CDL holder who is facing DUI charges in Cleveland, it’s essential that you seek legal support quickly so that you can proactively fight the charges against you. Contact Fortress Law Group, LLC, today to learn more about how we can help you combat DUI charges in Cleveland.

See Related Posts:

• CDLs and OVIs/DUIs in Ohio
• What Is the Difference Between OVI and DUI in Ohio?