Driving under the influence (DUI) can leave drivers facing serious consequences, especially if they have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you’re facing charges, it’s imperative that you understand how to navigate Tennessee CDL DUI laws and protect yourself. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. Instead, you can turn to a Nashville CDL DUI attorney.

If you are facing DUI charges in Nashville, look no further than The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez for the legal support you deserve. Led by Attorney Cesar Arbelaez, our firm has represented more than 500 individuals in complex cases, and we have a strong track record of success. We can’t promise success based on past results alone, but you can see our work in action for yourself.
Impaired driving puts the driver themself as well as everyone around them at serious risk of injury or even death. Moreover, when DUIs do lead to accidents, they can also cause catastrophic property damage. DUI crash costs in Tennessee exceeded $181,573,600 in recent years. Given the serious risks DUIs pose to society as a whole, these crimes are prosecuted harshly under Tennessee law.
You can be charged with DUI for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both. Out of all DUI cases reported in Tennessee in a single year recently, 69.7 percent involved alcohol, and another 14.4 percent involved both drugs and alcohol. You can expect to face serious consequences for DUI in Nashville. That said, you’re not out of options if you’re facing charges.
Tennessee’s DUI laws are not perfect. A multi-year investigation revealed that more than 2,500 Tennesseans have faced charges for what ended up being “sober DUIs.” These cases involved drivers falsely accused of DUI and forced to go through an arrest and subsequent punishment even though they were later found to be sober.
Regardless of the details of your specific situation, it’s wise to hire a DUI lawyer to help you navigate your charges and protect you from potentially harmful prosecution tactics. This is especially important in a CDL DUI case since a conviction can directly impact your ability to continue working.
CDL DUIs refer to cases that involve drivers in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Vehicles that require a special endorsement on a driver’s license include:
CDL holders are held to a higher standard than other drivers on the road. The blood alcohol content (BAC) minimum is lower than that for regular drivers at 0.04 percent instead of 0.08 percent. It’s important to note that your CDL can be revoked even if you’re charged with DUI in a personal vehicle.

Yes, you are likely going to lose your license if you get a CDL DUI in Nashville. Even a first-time offense can result in your CDL being disqualified for a period of time. Subsequent offenses typically result in a lifetime ban. A Nashville CDL DUI attorney can help you understand your options and go through the reinstatement process if possible. You may also be able to apply for a temporary license to continue driving your personal vehicle.
The penalties for CDL DUI in Nashville are serious and can affect the rest of your life. The level of punishment you receive for DUI ultimately depends on the severity of the charges. That said, you can expect to have your license suspended or revoked and to face fines or time in jail. You may also be required to complete mandatory education programs before license reinstatement. This can be true even if you’re charged with DUI in a personal vehicle.
Yes, you can still be a commercial vehicle driver in Nashville with a DUI. If it is your first offense, it may be possible to have your CDL reinstated after losing it. You typically must wait a minimum of one year before filing for reinstatement. In addition to license restrictions, you also have to contend with a criminal record after a DUI conviction. This can make securing a CDL job more difficult.
How much it costs to hire a CDL DUI attorney in Nashville ultimately depends on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s level of experience and reputation. You can typically expect a Nashville CDL DUI attorney to charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services. The more complicated the charges, the more you can expect to pay. That being said, those complex cases are often when you need legal representation most.
As a CDL driver, you are responsible for operating large, heavy vehicles on roadways with countless other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. CDL DUIs are taken very seriously under Tennessee law due to the risk to the general public and public property. If you’re charged with DUI in a CMV, hire a CDL DUI lawyer to help with your defense.
Residents throughout Davidson County have been trusting The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez to help them through their complex criminal cases for years. With nearly a decade of experience under our belt, we understand what it takes to defend against serious charges under Tennessee law. Talk to a trusted team member to learn more about our services and how we can help with your legal case.
You can give us a call to set up an appointment, and we can start strategizing from there. Our office is conveniently located near the U.S. 41 and I-24 interchange in Nashville, making us an easy trip for Tennesseans. Find us on 2nd Avenue near Riverfront Park.
When you’re facing criminal charges in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that a conviction can devastate not only your life but also the lives of your family members. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney brings nearly a decade of experience fighting for clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Based in Nashville and serving the greater Davidson County area, The Music City Defender has built a reputation for aggressive representation and strategic defense work that protects clients’ Constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing charges in Nashville’s municipal courts, Tennessee state courts, or federal court, our firm has the experience and resources necessary to mount a comprehensive defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.
Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI on Broadway, charged with assault in downtown Nashville, accused of drug crimes, or facing any other criminal allegations in Middle Tennessee, partnering with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal justice system and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights can be the decisive factor between conviction and freedom, between a ruined future and a second chance.