Nurses’ criminal convictions including DUI arrests are taken very seriously. Both the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and the Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) expect their license holders to be model citizens. Whether you’re currently a practicing nurse or planning on applying for the first time, a criminal conviction can ruin your career. Discover the consequences you could be facing from these convictions and how criminal defense for nurses can help.
Criminal Conviction Risks for Nurses
All criminal infractions can affect the status of your nursing license. The most common disciplines and consequences you can face include:
- License denials
- License revocations
- License suspensions
- Fines
- Probation
- Termination of employment
Even if you don’t receive discipline right away, your convictions can come back to haunt you in the future. These convictions are documented on your rap sheet, and your nursing board will have access to this information. Whether you’re applying for the first time or just renewing your license, past mistakes can cause your applications to be denied. It’s crucial that you manage these convictions right away and keep your record clean. A criminal defense attorney for licensed professionals can help.
Related Article: What Happens if a Nurse Receives a DUI Conviction?
Criminal Defense for Nurses
Whether you’re applying for your nursing license for the first time or working to keep your license intact, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. The nuances of both criminal court and nursing boards can be difficult to understand. Here’s how a lawyer like those at Unlock Legal can help.
Applying for Your License
A criminal conviction such as a DUI arrest can be detrimental to your future nursing career. When applying for your license with the BRN or BVNPT, you must disclose your past and present convictions. It’s crucial that you have these criminal matters resolved prior to applying for your license. An attorney that focuses on criminal defense for licensed professionals can manage your convictions in criminal court, clean up the marks on your rap sheet, and then help you properly disclose these on your application. This process gives you the best chance of obtaining your nursing license.
Maintaining Your License
If you already have your nursing license, a criminal conviction puts your livelihood in jeopardy as well. In these instances, you will be required to face criminal court as well as disclose your conviction to your nursing board and potentially your employer. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your board and employer could impose additional discipline. This could include license suspension, revocation, or even termination of your job. Working with a criminal defense lawyer for licensed professionals is the key to protecting your career.
Your lawyer will first fight your charges in criminal court by providing mitigating evidence. They will then disclose this information to your board and employer and work to lessen or eliminate any potential discipline. If needed, your attorney can also help seal your record and expunge any convictions that could cause potential issues in the future.
Related Article: Consequences of DUIs for California Nurses and First Responders
Contact the Nursing Defense Attorneys at Unlock Legal
Did you receive a criminal conviction and fear your professional career is at risk? Contact us immediately.
More than a hundred thousand drivers are arrested for DUIs each year.
We are experienced attorneys in all aspects of criminal defense and professional license defense. We will work tirelessly to help you get the best outcome possible for your case.
Unlock Legal provides focused representation in criminal defense and license defense for California professionals. Contact Unlock Legal today or give us a call at 949-997-1471 to speak with a professional about your case and your unique needs. You’ll find we are compassionate, easy to talk to, and willing to help in any capacity we can.
