A CDL holder accused of OWI or DUI in Detroit faces consequences that can exceed what non-commercial drivers experience. Even when the criminal charge is a misdemeanor, a commercial driver can face disqualification that threatens employment and income.

CDL cases require a coordinated approach because licensing rules, employer policies, and interstate reporting can create a cascade of consequences. A defense plan should account for the criminal court timeline, Secretary of State actions, and any administrative or employment-related processes.

Because livelihoods are at stake, the evidentiary defense matters even more. Stops, arrests, field tests, and chemical testing must be evaluated with the same rigor as any OWI case, but with additional attention to how plea outcomes translate into CDL consequences.

Time-sensitive decisions are common in CDL cases. Early steps include preserving video and records, evaluating whether to litigate suppression issues, and developing a negotiation plan that accounts for the client’s risk tolerance and professional requirements.

Commercial Driver DUI: High Stakes Licensing

Michigan’s OWI framework applies to commercial drivers, but the practical consequences are often harsher because of CDL disqualification rules and the realities of regulated employment. Even where the underlying criminal charge is under MCL 257.625, a commercial driver’s ability to continue working can turn on the specific conviction recorded, the timing of any prior offenses, and the licensing actions that flow from the conviction.

A CDL case should be evaluated as a parallel-track problem. The criminal case determines guilt and sentence, and the administrative system determines licensing status. That distinction matters because a favorable probation plan does not prevent disqualification if the conviction triggers it. Likewise, a short, targeted litigation effort that weakens the state’s proof can have an outsized benefit if it creates a path to a non-disqualifying resolution or an acquittal.

Evidence review is often decisive. Video can confirm or contradict the claimed driving behavior, and chemical testing records can reveal problems with collection, observation, or instrument performance. Where the state’s case depends on field sobriety tests, the defense should consider whether the roadside setting and the officer’s instructions created false “clues.”

Finally, counsel should align strategy with the client’s professional reality. Commercial drivers often need clarity on timeline and risk. A defense plan should balance litigation, negotiation, and the practical goal of preserving employability to the extent the law allows.

Why Choose William Maze As Your Criminal Defense Attorney?

As a Detroit criminal defense attorney, I provide specialized expertise in Detroit's court systems. I understand the specific procedures, judges, and prosecutors in Detroit courts, giving my clients a distinct advantage in their criminal defense cases.

Local Expertise:

• Knowledge of Detroit judges' preferences
• Experience with Detroit prosecutors
• Understanding of local court procedures
• Relationships with court personnel

Attorney Credentials:

• 28+ years Detroit experience
• Expert witness qualified
• Former CDAM President
• SFST certified instructor

William J. Maze, Esq.

Detroit Criminal Defense Attorney

Expert Witness 28+ Years