A California truck driver is in custody facing murder charges stemming from a May 6 incident that may have involved a love triangle.

Police in New York state that 51-year-old Michael J. McGlothan was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chautauqua County Jail, where he awaits an extradition hearing. He is wanted in California for the shooting death of a 21-year-old man with whom he shared an apartment. Another roommate, a 30-year-old female, was wounded in the shoulder during the fight.

Mr. McGlothan was apparently working under an alias, and he stopped reporting for work in California as a long-haul truck driver.

Qualifications for a CDL

To obtain a commercial drivers’ license, a person must meet or exceed a combination of federal and state standards. Although attending a trucking school is not a requirement, such an institution will teach you pretty much everything you need to know. Many community colleges, including Kern and Tulare Counties, offer similar programs, often at a lower cost.

Certain violent crimes, crimes of moral turpitude, and substance abuse offenses may disqualify you from a CDL. In addition, you must pass both a written test and a road test. You’ll also probably need a hazardous materials endorsement from the Transportation Security Agency.

Once you obtain a CDL, you’re treated differently under the Vehicle Code. Commercial drivers accrue points at a 50 percent greater rate, so a two-point violation is a three-point violation, and so on. If you’re caught speeding, traffic school is typically not available, even if you were in your private vehicle.

Getting Legal Help

The aggressive attorneys at Bigger & Harman, APC, are committed to giving individuals a voice when dealing with speeding and traffic tickets. Call today at 661-349-9300 or email attorney@markbigger.com to receive the personal professional attention you deserve. En español, llame al 661-349-9755.