How Does a DUI Affect My Professional License?

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In California, DUI convictions are taken very seriously by professional licensing boards. In addition to an impact on your driver’s license, you could also be facing suspension or revocation of your professional license. DUIs also leave a lasting mark on your records and can cause friction in your career for years to come. 

Professions Affected Most By DUI Convictions

DUI convictions for both alcohol and recreational marijuana use impact all professional license holders. Receiving a DUI negatively reflects your good moral character and communicates to your licensing board that you may be unfit to serve the community. Here are the professionals that have the highest consequences:

  • Physicians
  • RNs
  • PTs / LVNs
  • Pharmacists
  • Teachers
  • Engineers
  • Mental Health Professionals
  • Insurance Agents
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Dentists
  • Lawyers

Related Article: Will My Nursing License Be Suspended for a DUI?

Steps to Beat a DUI Charge

For licensed professionals, getting charged with a DUI can feel like the end of your career. However, you still have a fighting chance at beating a DUI and protecting your livelihood. In California, DUI cases are not always as strongly prosecuted because so many factors are taken into account for this type of legal violation. These include physical appearance of intoxication such as glossy or bloodshot eyes, difficulties finding your license, and broken speech. All of these observations can be supported by other factors such as accents, nervousness, and lack of sleep. This leaves interpretation strictly up to the officer and can land you a DUI charge.

Once you receive the DUI conviction, you are then required to report this to your licensing board. This is why it’s imperative to contact a professional license defense attorney right away. An experienced license defense lawyer can help you correctly disclose your conviction and protect your license from being suspended or revoked.

Contact Unlock Legal

If your professional license is under scrutiny from your licensing board for a DUI conviction, the first thing you should do is contact our team at Unlock Legal. We’ve stood before licensing boards to petition for reinstatement, fight against license denial, and even manage administrative hearings when a professional’s license is under investigation. Our priority is to get you the best outcome possible and handle your case from beginning to end – no matter how long it takes.

Unlock Legal provides focused representation in criminal defense and defense for California licensed professionals. Contact Unlock Legal today or give us a call at 949-988-4444 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.

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