How Can a DUI Impact My Professional License

No one wants to face the myriad penalties associated with a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in California. Jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, increased insurance costs, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device are just some of the possible consequences you could face for a DUI conviction. For doctors, nurses, lawyers, therapists, and other licensed professionals, a DUI could even jeopardize your career and your livelihood if your professional license is suspended or revoked as a result of your conduct. If you have been arrested for DUI in San Diego, you must find a defense attorney with experience handling DUI cases for professional clients, one who will understand the gravity of your situation. Contact our reputable defense attorneys at Sevens Legal today to find out how a DUI arrest or conviction can impact your professional license.

Key Takeaways

• San Diego DUI charges carry severe penalties, possibly including jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
• For doctors, nurses, lawyers, therapists, and other professionals who hold licenses, the consequences of a DUI conviction can be even more devastating.
• Licensing boards may take disciplinary action against members for any drug- or alcohol-related conviction or other criminal conduct.
• If you are convicted of a DUI in San Diego, you could have your professional license suspended or revoked.
• Hiring a criminal defense attorney with experience handling DUIs for professional clients is the first step in protecting your career after a DUI arrest.

Consequences of DUIs for Licensed Professionals

Earning a professional license in California takes years of hard work and discipline. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, lawyer, or real estate agent, your license is what marks you as a trusted professional in the eyes of the public. However, this status can change in the blink of an eye if you are arrested or convicted of DUI, especially if certain aggravating factors are present.

Professionals that Can be Affected by a DUI

The disciplinary action arising out of a DUI or other criminal conduct can be disastrous, depending on the type of license you hold, the nature of your arrest or charge, and your criminal history. Most professional licenses in California require mandatory reporting of a DUI conviction to the licensing board within 30 days and upon renewal of said license, which could result in a license suspension or revocation. The following are some examples of professions and licenses that may be affected by a DUI in California:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Dentists
• EMTs
• Pharmacists
• Lawyers
• Therapists
• Commercial Vehicle Drivers
• Real Estate Agents
• Pilots
• Accountants
• Teachers

How a DUI Can Affect Employment

DUIs are taken extremely seriously in the state of California, and the professional consequences of a DUI can be dire. A professional license suspension or revocation could put your job at risk or could even permanently end your career.

Can You be Fired for a DUI?

If you hold a professional license, you are subject to the scrutiny of the licensing board or agency for your profession, and a DUI conviction could jeopardize the license required for employment in your field. You may also be required to report a DUI arrest or conviction to your employer, especially if your job requires you to operate a vehicle or if your employment contract requires you to disclose your criminal record. However, the specific penalties you can expect to face following a DUI conviction depend a great deal on the type of professional license you hold and the circumstances of your conviction. In most cases, a single misdemeanor DUI conviction will not endanger your license. However, each licensing board has its own rules for dealing with DUI offenses.

Will a DUI Prevent Me from Getting a Job?

In addition to the immediate adverse impact of a DUI charge, being convicted of DUI also means you will have a criminal record, which can be a significant barrier to employment. Depending on your specific situation, having one or more DUI convictions on your record could prevent you from getting a job or securing a professional license in the future. In most cases, a prospective employer will run a background check on you before making a hiring decision, and this will reveal your criminal history. However, having a DUI on your record does not have to mean the end of your professional career. With the help of a skilled DUI defense attorney, you may be able to prevent a DUI from having long-lasting effects on your life and your occupation.

Free San Diego DUI Defense Consultation

As a licensed professional, a DUI charge can destroy your reputation and integrity and threaten your career. However, just because you have been arrested for DUI does not automatically mean your career is over. You still have a chance to beat the DUI charge and avoid a negative outcome like a license suspension or revocation. If you are a professional license holder and you have been arrested or charged with DUI, you need a San Diego criminal defense attorney with experience handling DUI cases for professionals. Call Sevens Legal today to schedule a free legal consultation with our knowledgeable DUI defense team.

How to Contact Our DUI Defense Attorneys

If you hold a professional license in California, any kind of disciplinary action you face following a DUI could put your current job at risk and may also limit future employment opportunities. The best way to avoid or minimize the professional consequences associated with a DUI is to enlist the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney immediately after your arrest. Call us as soon as possible at (619) 762-3200 to find out how we can help you formulate the strongest possible defense in your DUI case.