September 20, 2018
One of the main fears you may have if you are convicted of DUI is how long you may be without your driver’s license. What you may not realize is that other licenses you have could also be suspended or revoked.
Many times, a DUI is viewed not only as a criminal violation, but often as an indicator of your responsibility. Because of this, your professional life could be at risk. If you are a physician, nurse, real estate broker or teacher, you could be facing the loss of your license because of a DUI.
If you receive a DUI, you should contact the board, bureau or agency of your employer for their specific stance on how your conviction can affect your license.
Every board will view a DUI on an individual basis, but there are some things you may expect to happen for you to keep or to get your professional license back. You may be asked to complete a treatment program associated with the cause of your intoxication at the time of your arrest. Boards often ask that community service work be done for a set number of hours. It is best to contact the board or agency that has issued your license to get information on how a DUI conviction will affect your license.
You may be feeling stressed and full of uncertainty following your DUI arrest. Here are some things you can do right away if you have a professional license you do not want to lose.
Report your conviction – Even if the agency or board that issues your license does not have a policy regarding discipline for a DUI, it may still have a requirement for you to report it anyway.
Follow any restrictions – You may lose your driver’s license which means you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle. Avoid further penalties by following all restrictions against you.
Show good character – If you are asked or required to attend a treatment program or perform community service, complete these rehabilitation steps by being on-time and finishing in a timely manner. If you procrastinate in the completion of these tasks, it may look like you are not taking them seriously.
Speak with an attorney – You should attain the legal advice of an attorney as soon as you can after your conviction. Planning your defense can establish your credibility and possibly keep your professional license.
Losing your professional license or having it suspended can disrupt your life and cause stress in your professional life. It can cause difficulty moving forward in your career beyond the stigma you may feel. You can put yourself in a good position to keep your professional license if you stay on top of critical responsibilities following your conviction.