Protect Your Commercial Driver’s License When It Is At Risk
As a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder, you very likely know how important this license can be to your livelihood. If you drive a truck, bus or other large, specialized vehicle for a living, keeping your CDL free and clear of challenges is basic to your ability to keep doing so legally and to make a living.
At Harmony Legal Associates, you have a skilled defense attorney available to help you keep your CDL active despite an arrest or the issuance of a traffic ticket.
Offenses That Could Cost You Your CDL Privileges Outright
Under Georgia law, a number of offenses are classified as either “Major Traffic Offenses” or “Serious Traffic Offenses.” If you are convicted of a Major Traffic Offense your CDL privileges will automatically be suspended for one year. If convicted of two Serious Traffic Offenses within 3 years then you’re your CDL privileges will be suspended for a minimum of 60 days.
Examples of traffic violation citations and other legal challenges that could put your CDL at risk include:
- Speeding more than 15 miles over the speed limit
- Carrying an overweight load
- Reckless driving
- Hit & Run
- Following Too Closely
- Improper Lane Change
- Failing to Appear for Court
- Driving a commercial vehicle without the required authorization, which may require entry-level driver training (ELDT) followed by CDL skills and knowledge tests
- Driving a commercial vehicle with an expired or suspended license
- Vehicular manslaughter charges after a fatal accident
- Failing 60 days behind in child support payments
If you don’t yet have a CDL but plan to get one or are in training to become a CDL driver, being convicted of Major Traffic Offenses or Serious Traffic Offenses can bar you from ever qualifying for a CDL.
Whatever traffic ticket or other challenges to your CDL you are facing, it is in your best interest to defend your record vigorously, even in the case of a first-time offense.
How Even Simple Offenses Can Cost You Your CDL
Under Georgia law traffic citations are misdemeanors and most traffic convictions will result in points being assessed against your driving record. Just because you have been charged with a crime that is not either a Major Traffic Offense or Serious Traffic Offense, does not mean you are clear from potential consequences for your CDL. This is because oftentimes insurance companies that provide insurance to freight and trucking companies often require drivers to maintain less than a certain number of points on their record. So once a driver has accrued the specific number of points, they can no longer be insured by their company’s insurance. This will often result in the driver losing employment even though they were never convicted of a Serious or Major Traffic Offense for a number of years until their point total resets.
Why It Matters So Much To Fight Back
With a conviction for a traffic offense or relevant crime, you may be penalized in one or more of these ways:
- You may need to pay high fines.
- You will accumulate points on your personal driver’s license or CDL that could later cause serious problems.
- Your personal driver’s license or CDL could be suspended.
- You could be jailed.
As difficult as such penalties may seem, a lengthy or permanent loss of your CDL would be the greatest punishment if you drive trucks or buses for a living or hope to do so in the future. A strong defense is essential.
A conviction for any traffic violation – especially a drunk driving offense – is something you need to avoid by all means. If a law enforcement agent has issued you a citation or arrested you on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), request a consultation with attorney without delay. Time is of the essence.
At Harmony Legal Associates, our philosophy about CDL defense and criminal defense in general is that we don’t settle; we get justice. Attorney will take into account the entire big picture of your future and devise a defense strategy designed to protect you and your License.
What Happens If You Are Driving A Personal Vehicle When Cited?
Or The Officer Notes Your License As A Regular License?
At the end of the day, it does not matter that you were driving your personal vehicle when cited. In addition, it does not matter that the Officer who cited you put on the ticket the incorrect class of licenses. This is because under Georgia law the Georgia Department of Driver Services is the department which assess points. That means that when the ultimate result of the citation is transmitted from the Court to Georgia DDS, Driver Services will assure that it is placed against the correct type of license that you have. So, if you have a CDL Georgia DDS will note that and assess points against that class of license.
Request A Free Consultation To Discuss Your CDL Defense
You may be filled with worries or regrets, but please do not let your fears paralyze your willpower. Get a no-obligation case evaluation by contacting us right away.
Reach our law office by calling 770-709-5955 or sending an email inquiry.
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