If you're a commercial driver, you know that it took a lot of time and money to get and maintain your CDL. After all, your CDL may be necessary for your job, and qualify your for a number of jobs that pay better than if you only had a regular driver's license. Unfortunately, having a CDL also means that the police and state expect more from you than from regular drivers. It isn't enough that you are an experienced driver, and drive better than most people, but you also have to keep a clean record, or risk losing your CDL.
There are a number of violations that can put your CDL at risk, but one of the most serious is a DUI. The problem is that getting a DUI, even in your own car, may put your job at risk. Even though other jobs may not care if their employees get a DUI, a single DUI can result in losing your ability to drive or work for a year.
Alcohol Limits for CDL Drivers
One drink may be enough to put you over the legal limit if you are driving a commercial vehicle. For non-commercial drivers, they may have two or three drinks and still be considered under the legal limit. The legal limit for driving in Georgia is determined by measuring a driver's BAC, or blood alcohol concentration. If a non-commercial driver shows a BAC of 0.08% or greater, they will be charged with driving under the influence. However, for a commercial driver, they will be charged with driving under the influence if they have a BAC of only 0.04% or higher.
Losing Your CDL After a DUI Arrest
If you have a CDL, and are arrested for a DUI, don't wait until your court date to figure out what to do, because you only have 30 days to act. The police officers may not go out their way to make it clear that you are on such a short timeline, but if you don't act quickly, you may find no way to stop your license from being suspended. Contact your Atlanta DUI defense lawyer immediately to make sure your license doesn't get suspended before you have a chance to challenge the charges against you.
Your license will be automatically suspended after 30. This is done administratively, and is separate from the criminal proceeding. The only way to stop the suspension is by requesting an ALS hearing within 30 days. Contact my office, and we can immediately file a 30 day letter to make sure you have a chance to keep your CDL from automatically being suspended.
Commercial CDL DUI Charges in Atlanta
If you are arrested for a first time DUI in Georgia, your CDL license will automatically be suspended for a year. This is for a DUI either in a commercial vehicle or your personal vehicle. If you have two DUI convictions, you will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for life. With this much at stake, you need to know your rights, and how to fight the charges against you, to keep your license and keep your job. Don't delay, and call our office today so we can discuss the consequences of a DUI for your job, and for your ability to drive.