Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders are held to a higher standard when it comes to drunk driving offenses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict regulations for CDL holders to ensure the safety of other drivers on the road. If you hold a CDL in Georgia, it is important to understand the state’s DUI laws and the consequences of a DUI conviction.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits for Georgia CDL Holders
In Georgia, the legal BAC limit for CDL holders is 0.04%, which is half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers. This means that if you are operating a commercial vehicle and your BAC level is 0.04% or higher, you will be charged with DUI.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction can have serious consequences for CDL holders, including the loss of their CDL and their livelihood. In Georgia, a first-time DUI conviction for a CDL holder can result in a one-year suspension of their CDL, even if the offense occurred in a non-commercial vehicle. A second DUI conviction will result in a lifetime CDL suspension.
In addition to the loss of their CDL, CDL holders may face other penalties for a DUI conviction, including fines, jail time, and increased insurance rates. They may also face difficulty finding employment in the future, as many employers require their employees to have a clean driving record.
Implied Consent Laws
Georgia has an implied consent law that applies to all drivers, including CDL holders. Under this law, any driver who is suspected of DUI is required to submit to a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer or blood test. Refusing to take a chemical test can result in a one-year suspension of your CDL for a first offense, and a lifetime suspension for a second offense.
What to Do If You Are Charged with DUI
If you are a CDL holder who has been charged with DUI in Georgia, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. A DUI conviction can have serious consequences for your career and your future, and an attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Ways to Avoid a DUI Conviction
The best way to avoid a DUI conviction is to never drink and drive. If you plan on drinking, make sure to arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, or stay overnight. It is also important to be aware of how alcohol affects you and to know your limits. Additionally, make sure to follow all traffic laws and avoid any behavior that could attract the attention of law enforcement.
Another way to avoid a DUI conviction is to cooperate with law enforcement if you are pulled over. Remain calm, be polite, and follow the officer’s instructions. Refusing to take a chemical test can result in serious consequences, including the loss of your CDL.
CDL holders in Georgia are held to a higher standard when it comes to DUI offenses. Understanding the state’s DUI laws, BAC limits, and implied consent laws is crucial to avoiding a DUI conviction and protecting your CDL and livelihood. If you are facing DUI charges, it is important to seek the help of an experienced DUI attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you achieve the best possible outcome. Remember, the consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe, so it is important to take the matter seriously and take action to protect yourself.
Willis Law Firm can help with Georgia CDL DUI cases in several ways:
Legal Representation: Willis Law Firm can provide you with experienced legal representation in court. Our attorneys understand the complex DUI laws and can build a strong defense to help you avoid a conviction or minimize the consequences of a conviction.
Case Evaluation: We can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options. This includes analyzing the evidence against you, identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and developing a strategy for your defense.
Negotiation with Prosecutors: We can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to seek a plea agreement or reduced charges. This can help minimize the consequences of a DUI conviction, such as reducing the length of a CDL suspension.
CDL Protection: We can help protect your CDL by representing you in administrative hearings and appealing any adverse decisions. We understand the importance of your CDL and will work to help you keep it.
Education: We can provide education and guidance on how to avoid future DUI incidents. This includes advising you on how to comply with Georgia’s DUI laws, how to handle roadside sobriety tests, and how to avoid behavior that may lead to a DUI arrest.
At Willis Law Firm, we understand how a DUI conviction can affect your life, career, and future. That is why we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible legal representation and guidance to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your Georgia CDL DUI case.
