How Severe Are DUI Penalties For Commercial Drivers In Georgia?

A DUI charge in Georgia is serious no matter who is the driver. But, for commercial drivers, the rules are different than they are for private drivers and the punishments are much higher for just even the first offense. With commercial vehicles increasing on the roads throughout the United States, there happen to be much more accidents happening that involve these vehicles. Often, due to the larger size and increased weight that these vehicles have when compared to much smaller private vehicles, these accidents tend to produce catastrophic outcomes. This is one of the reasons why the laws are a bit different when it comes to drinking and driving as a commercial driver.

It is imperative that when you are arrested for a DUI that you have the most experienced and seasoned legal defense professional on your side strategically protecting your rights. In Georgia, the DeKalb County DUI attorneys at Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys are here for you in these instances. The legal team at Hawkins Spizman has the resources and know-how to secure the best results possible for victims facing criminal charges in Georgia like a DUI.

What Happens When a Commercial Driver in Georgia is Convicted of a DUI?

Georgia’s traffic laws state that when a person holds a Georgia commercial driver’s license (CDL), they are able to operate certain types of vehicles that others with a normal driver’s license cannot. These vehicles will typically be quite large with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,001 and transport either people or property. Drivers have to have special training to obtain a CDL license. While the driver’s license is different and specialized for commercial drivers, so are the traffic laws they follow which vary for private drivers.

One big difference in Georgia traffic laws that commercial drivers have and which non-commercial drivers do not is the level of alcohol someone has in their system to be considered drunk making driving unlawful. A non-commercial driver that has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is .08 or more is an unlawful driver. For commercial drivers though, their blood alcohol concentration must only be .04, or half what non-commercial drivers BAC is to be considered unlawful.

A commercial driver that is convicted of a DUI in Georgia faces severe punishments including:

• One-year license suspension for the first DUI while a second DUI can result in being barred from ever holding a commercial license for life.
• Fines as high as $1,000.
• Days to months behind bars.
• Community service hours.
• DUI “risk reduction” program participation and successful completion.
• A clinical evaluation for alcohol/drug abuse.
• At least one year under probation, depending on other charges.

Speak to a Georgia DUI Attorney Today

The penalties for a commercial driver being convicted of a DUI are substantial and tough. It is necessary to have the best defense strategy to overcome such charges and secure the most advantageous outcome. This is where the Georgia DUI attorneys at Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys can help. Call today to schedule a free consultation at 770-685-6400.  Mike Hawkins is Board Certified in DUI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense, as recognized by the American Bar Association.  As of this writing, there are only 4 lawyers in Georgia who have passed the board certification exam.

Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys represent individuals charged with DUIs in Georgia including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs.

Source:

dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/commercial