In the state of Georgia, arrests are public record, which means that you could end up in the newspaper or on the website of the precinct in which you were arrested for even a first offense DUI. This will reflect poorly on your employer and, even worse, it could result in the loss of any professional licenses you hold if you are convicted.
CDL Holders
One group of professionals most likely to be affected by a DUI are commercial licensed drivers. Individuals who hold a commercial drivers license (or CDL) are held to a different standard than motorists who hold standard licenses. For example, the legal blood alcohol content limit for CDL holders, is .04; for other motorists
It is .08.
The punishment for CDL holders convicted of a DUI is also more severe, in that it will directly impact the convicted person’s career. A first DUI conviction will cost your professional license for up to one year. A second conviction will result in the loss of your CDL license for the rest of your life.
White-Collar Professionals
Medical professionals such as doctors, dentists, nurses must disclose any convictions, including DUIs, to their employer and to the state medical board, who may or may not take action to suspend the convicted driver’s medical license.
Attorneys are required to follow similar protocol. An attorney who fails to disclose his or her conviction could be subject to a hearing before the state bar and risk losing his or her license to practice law.
Teachers are also required to disclose any convictions and are at risk of losing their license to teach in the state of Georgia following a DUI conviction.
Other Professionals
If you are an “at will” employee, your employer is within his or her rights to terminate you for a DUI conviction. Check with your employer’s handbook to determine if you are required to report any convictions to your employer.
Protecting Your Professional License
Even a first offense DUI conviction could cost you your career by stripping you of your professional license. Without the assistance of a highly trained and experienced attorney, you could risk permanently losing your right to practice in your chosen field.
If you are a licensed professional who has been charged with DUI in Savannah, Georgia Joey Turner and the team at The Turner Firm can help. We are ready to get to work to mount an aggressive defense on your behalf in an effort to protect your job and your good name. Call today to schedule a free, no obligation review of your case.