Losing driving privileges because of a north Georgia DUI is never a good thing, but when you depend on those privileges to make a living, the stakes go up. When you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you need to protect it.
If you are a truck driver and have been charged with DUI, you may feel as if all hope for you is lost. But, this is simply not true. Let’s take a look at the charges against you and Georgia law:
- A DUI is considered a “Major Traffic Violation” in Georgia.
- If convicted, a first Major Traffic Violation will result in a one-year suspension of your license.
- A second Major Traffic Violation will result in losing your CDL for the rest of your life.
In addition, it is important that you understand that these penalties apply no matter what type of vehicle you were driving: commercial or non-commercial.
What Constitutes a Georgia DUI?
The law is very clear on what a DUI looks like in Georgia. Code 40-6-391 states that:
A person shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while:
- Under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is less than safe for the person to drive;
- Under the influence of any drug to the extent that it is less than safe for the person to drive;
- Under the intentional influence of any glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapor to the extent that it is less than safe for the person to drive;
- Under the combined influence of any two or more of the substances specified in paragraphs (1) through (3) . . .
- The person’s alcohol concentration is 0.08 grams or more at any time within three hours after such driving . . . [please note that this limit is 0.04% if driving a commercial vehicle]
- . . . there is any amount of marijuana or controlled substance . . . present in the person’s blood or urine or both . . .
Protect Your CDL: Contact a North Georgia DUI Attorney
Suspension of your commercial driving privileges is almost guaranteed if you are convicted of DUI. The smartest thing to do is contact an attorney as soon as you are able following your arrest.
The Law Office of Scott Miller can fight for your legal rights—and your license—in a DUI situation. Please call us in Alpharetta at 770-408-1001 to find out what we can do for you.
