Atlanta Commercial DUI

A DUI in Georgia can mean much more for a commercial driver than for a regular driver. For many with a commercial driver's license (CDL), their license is the key to their livelihood as a professional driver. It is also easier for a commercial driver to get a DUI after 1 or 2 drinks, because the legal limit for their blood alcohol content is lower than for other drivers. A commercial driver is per se in violation of DUI laws with a BAC of 0.04%, half that compared to 0.08% for other drivers.

After a DUI while driving a commercial vehicle, the driver can have their license suspended for a year. A second DUI means losing their CDL for life. For non-commercial drivers, losing their license may mean it is more difficult to get to work. But for commercial drivers, losing their license may mean they cannot work at all.

For all these reasons, it is important to fight a DUI, so that you can keep your CDL, and keep your job. Any DUI can end up costing a lot in fines, fees, time, and costs. Don't let it cost you your career.

Defenses to a CDL DUI

There are a number of legal defenses available to commercial drivers arrested for a DUI. The specific defenses available will depend on the facts of your case. Defenses include what happened before being pulled over by the police. Did they have a reason to pull over the vehicle in the first place? Or was it for some illegal reason, like racial profiling?

Defenses can also come from the police officer giving improper directions or instructions. Did the officer improperly advise on the consequences and options to refuse a breath or blood test? Did the officer give the right instructions, and properly observe any field sobriety tests? If officers searched the commercial vehicle, did they have permission or probable cause for the search?

If the driver submitted to a field chemical breath test, or a chemical test at the police station, were the devices properly administered? Were they correctly calibrated? All of these questions could lead to defenses to get evidence thrown out, or charges dismissed.

By speaking with an experienced Georgia DUI defense lawyer, they will be able to advise you of possible defenses, and how to handle your case not only to defend your criminal case, but to keep your license through winning your administrative license suspension (ALS) hearing. Both parts are important to make sure a DUI does not impact your future.

Atlanta Commercial License DUI Defense

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in a commercial vehicle, you only have 30 days to fight your CDL suspension. A suspension can affect your ability to drive possibly to earn a living. If you or someone you know got a commercial DUI, call me today, so we can immediately file a 30-day hearing letter, so you can keep your license. We will discuss what happened in your case, and how we will fight to keep your license and defend your rights in court.