DUI and Employment in Georgia: Protecting Your Career
There is the traffic stop. Then the request to step out. You breathe into the machine, maybe not knowing what it will say. Before long, the words “DUI arrest” are no longer someone else’s story. It is yours. And while the court date might feel like the focus, there is something bigger at stake: your job, your license, your future. At Prine Law Group, based in Macon, we have seen firsthand how a DUI charge does not just follow you to court. It follows you to work.
Do You Have to Tell Your Employer? Maybe. Maybe Not.
Georgia law does not have a universal rule requiring you to tell your boss. But your job might. Contracts, HR manuals, or even unwritten expectations can create gray areas. If you drive a company vehicle, transport clients, or hold a safety-sensitive role, the line between private life and professional conduct gets thin real fast.
And it is not just about drivers. We have worked with teachers, nurses, and bank analysts, people in roles where character matters. If your job leans on trust or public confidence, silence could cause more harm than good. You do not always need to speak up immediately, but ignoring the issue entirely usually comes back around.
Not sure what applies? Ask your lawyer before you say anything to your employer. What you say and when can shape how this plays out.
Licenses and Boards: The Rules Are Stricter There
If you are licensed in Georgia (maybe you are a teacher, real estate broker, pilot, or pharmacist), a DUI charge could trigger more than a court fine. Many boards have their own review processes. Sometimes they act fast. Other times, they wait for the criminal case to finish. Requirements vary by board, profession, and the nature of the charge, but most expect disclosure.
Some possible outcomes:
- A request for a substance evaluation
- A probationary license period
- Required counseling or ethics coursework
- Temporary suspension, especially for repeat offenses
For example, Georgia’s nursing board can require drug testing, and the State Bar may review your character and fitness even years later. This is not meant to scare you. But if your license pays your bills, do not assume the board will not hear about the arrest. Be proactive.
CDL Drivers Have Even Less Room for Error
If you drive commercially, the margin for mistakes disappears. The legal BAC limit for CDL holders in Georgia is 0.04%, half the standard for most drivers. And the consequences come fast.
- First offense: CDL disqualification for 1 year (3 years if transporting hazardous materials)
- Second offense: Lifetime disqualification (with limited exceptions)
- Refusal to submit to testing: Automatic 1-year disqualification
Even if the incident occurred in your personal vehicle, your CDL may still be affected depending on the charge and final disposition. That is why we carefully examine every aspect of the case, from the stop itself to the accuracy of the testing device. For CDL holders, defending the license means defending the job.
What About Future Jobs?
Many Georgia employers run background checks. Some check every applicant. Others do not, but many do. And DUI convictions do not disappear.
Georgia does not allow expungement of DUI convictions. If the case ends in a guilty plea or verdict, it stays on your record. However, if your case is dismissed, you are acquitted, or charges are reduced to a non-DUI offense, you may be eligible for record restriction, which limits public access to the arrest, though law enforcement can still see it.
Here is where a conviction matters most:
- Public sector jobs, including local government and schools
- Healthcare roles where trust and safety are part of the job
- Positions requiring professional certification or fiduciary duty
You do not need to give up on your career goals. But you may need a legal strategy that protects your record before it is written in ink.
Immigration Consequences
For non-citizens, a DUI conviction can carry consequences beyond employment. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction may affect visa renewal, green card applications, or naturalization proceedings. In some cases, it can trigger removal proceedings. If you are not a U.S. citizen, discuss the immigration implications with your attorney before accepting any plea or making any statements.
How We Protect Clients After a DUI Arrest
There is no one-size-fits-all defense. But here is what we often examine:
- Was the traffic stop legal under the Fourth Amendment?
- Were the testing devices calibrated and documented properly?
- Was the field sobriety test administered correctly?
- Can the charge be reduced to something less damaging, like reckless driving?
- Can the case be resolved through DUI Court or a reduction to Reckless Driving, especially if this is a first offense?
We have seen breath machines flagged for skipped maintenance. We have read reports that contradicted dashcam footage. And we have negotiated outcomes that helped our clients avoid lasting career damage.
Do Not Wait. Georgia Moves Fast After a DUI Arrest.
You have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or apply for an ignition interlock device permit. Miss that deadline, and your license will be suspended on the 46th day, regardless of how strong your defense may be.
The consequences depend on what happened at the time of arrest:
- If you tested over the limit: 120-day suspension, but you may qualify for a limited permit after 30 days
- If you refused testing: Up to a 12-month hard suspension, with very limited statutory exceptions
We have represented clients from all walks of life, from delivery drivers and teachers to physicians and small business owners. The sooner you call, the more options we have to protect your license and your livelihood.
📞 Call (478) 257-6333 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. At Prine Law Group, we do not just handle DUI defense. We protect careers.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Prine Law Group. Every case is different. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.