Wilmington Island Commercial Driver DUI Attorney

An Overview of DUI Laws for Commercial Drivers in Georgia

Facing a DUI charge is a very big deal for a commercial driver. It can lead to severe criminal penalties and steep professional consequences. Indeed, commercial drivers in Georgia face stricter DUI rules and harsher consequences than non-commercial drivers. A CDL holder can be charged with DUI while driving a commercial motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 or higher (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391). A first DUI that involves a commercial vehicle typically triggers at least a one-year CDL disqualification. If the load is hazardous materials, a first offense is a three-year disqualification. A second DUI of any kind (even in a personal car) can result in a lifetime CDL disqualification in Georgia. There are only very limited possibilities for reinstatement. 

Note: CDL holders also face the implied consent rules for chemical testing. A refusal can cost both personal driving privileges and commercial status. There is no “hardship” CDL in Georgia. If your CDL is disqualified, you cannot drive commercially. For many drivers, that means immediate loss of their income. A strong defense against a commercial driver DUI in Wilmington Island is a must. 

Why Trust Georgia Commercial Driver DUI Defense Lawyer Jarrett Maillet

For commercial drivers in Georgia, facing a DUI charge is a big deal. It could put your career in jeopardy. You need an experienced advocate. For more than ten years, our founder and lead attorney, Jarrett Maillet, has handled complex criminal cases in Georgia. We represent commercial drivers. Along with other things, our Wilmington Island commercial DUI defense lawyer is ready to: 

• Listen to your story and answer questions about your case; 
• Investigate the DUI charge, gathering any exonerating evidence; 
• Handle all of your interactions with police and prosecutors; and
• Take whatever action is required to best protect your legal rights. 

Commercial DUIs in Georgia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What BAC level triggers a DUI for a commercial driver in Georgia?

One of the most important things commercial drivers in Georgia should know is that commercial drivers are held to a stricter blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit. The key statute is O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391. Under the law, a BAC of 0.04 percent is enough for a DUI while operating a commercial motor vehicle. Notably, the limit is half of the regular 0.08 percent. 

Will a DUI cost me my commercial driver’s license (CDL)?

Yes. It absolutely can and often will. In Georgia, a CDL suspension is almost automatic after a DUI conviction, even for a first offense. In this sense, our state follows federal CDL rules. For commercial drivers, a first offense DUI usually triggers a one-year disqualification of their license. A second DUI can result in lifetime CDL loss. That means a driving career is over. 

Can I still work if my CDL is suspended for DUI?

Not as a commercial driver. You can work only if the job does not require driving a commercial vehicle. Most trucking companies cannot legally let you drive during a CDL disqualification. That means many drivers need to find temporary non-driving positions or change industries while serving their suspension. Some employers offer reassignment, but many do not. In other words, a driver whose CDL has been suspended may be terminated. That is a big deal, and it makes defending your case and protecting your license essential. 

Contact Our Wilmington Island Commercial Driver DUI Defense Lawyer Today

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our Wilmington Island commercial driver DUI defense attorney provides top-quality legal guidance and support to clients. If you are a commercial driver who was arrested for a DUI, we are here to help. Contact us today at 912-713-3426 for your completely confidential, no obligation case evaluation. We defend commercial drivers against DUI charges in Wilmington Island, Chatham County, and throughout the broader region.