Getting charged with a DUI not only leaves a person facing serious criminal penalties, but they may also face discipline from the state licensing board for professional licenses.
A DUI can severely affect several licensed professionals, including:
- Pilots
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Lawyers
- Commercial drivers
Fortunately, a professional license defense attorney can take on your case and help limit the penalties you face from the licensing board for a DUI offense.
What Is a DUI?
Driving under the influence, or DUI, is the type of charge an individual faces if they operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a person has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher while driving, they can be charged with a DUI.
Penalties for DUI in California depend on several factors, including whether the person has any prior convictions for DUI and whether the person caused an accident resulting in injuries. Penalties for DUI can include costly fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension.
Aside from the legal repercussions, individuals who must have and maintain a professional license can face discipline from the state licensing board.
State Licensing Board Discipline for a DUI
Once a professional is charged with a DUI, the licensing board can take certain steps to discipline the individual. The type of discipline a professional faces rests upon various details, including the type of profession and severity of the DUI charge.
In many cases, a professional with multiple arrests or convictions faces more serious discipline than a professional receiving their first DUI charge.
The state board’s disciplinary actions may include:
- A formal warning or reprimand
- Fines
- Substance abuse treatment
- Drug testing
- Restrictions
- Probation
- License suspension
- License revocation
These actions by the licensing board can affect a professional’s ability to work to their full ability, for a short time, or at all.
If you’re facing discipline for a DUI charge, do not hesitate to discuss your case with a professional license defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Do I Need a DUI Defense Attorney?
A DUI defense attorney can handle your criminal DUI charge. They have the skills and resources to help create a defense for your case, aiming to get your charges dropped, get an acquittal, or lessen the severity of potential penalties, depending on your circumstances.
If a DUI defense attorney is successful in helping you with your legal case, this can have a positive impact on your case with the state licensing board.
When in Doubt, Discuss Your Case with a Professional License Defense Lawyer
If you face charges for a DUI and are unsure of how it could affect your professional license, speak to a California professional license defense lawyer right away.
S J Harris Law is dedicated to helping California professionals facing trouble with the state licensing board. We understand the frustration and stress professionals feel at the thought of losing their license and ability to make a living. Our team approaches every case with personalized care and attention, working diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact our firm today to request a complimentary 30-minute consultation with a professional license defense lawyer.
