When most people think of the consequences of DUI, they imagine the costs — fines, court costs, and increased insurance — and jail time. They understand the impact of a DUI arrest on a driver’s license. But did you know that a DUI can also have serious implications for your professional license? If you’re wondering, “How can a DUI impact my professional license?” here’s a closer look.
DUIs will have some sort of impact on most professional licenses, although first-time misdemeanor offenses are typically less damaging than repeat or felony DUIs.
What Professions Are Impacted?
The More Severe the DUI, the More Severe the Impact
A DUI conviction can have an impact on a number of professional licenses. Keep in mind that individual circumstances can impact the decision made in your case — and that this is by no means an exhaustive list of the professional licenses that might be affected, but here are a few examples.
Physicians
Under the Colorado Medical Practice Act, you must report any “adverse action” against you to the medical board within 30 days. It might be tempting to avoid reporting a first offense because you think it’s not grounds for discipline. However, as some physicians have discovered, the consequences of not reporting are often worse than the consequences of the DUI itself.
There’s no singular penalty for a DUI for physicians. Instead, the medical board will evaluate your case. That normally includes evaluating you to determine whether the conviction was a one-off or if it happened as the result of an alcohol use disorder or other ongoing problem. These are some of the potential consequences:
- Having a “letter of complaint” in your file
- Being required to attend treatment
- Temporary or permanent revocation of your ability to prescribe drugs
- Suspension of your license
- A period of drug testing/supervision
- Permanent license revocation (in the case of a felony DUI).
Often, penalties for a first offense are minimal. Subsequent DUIs might result in harsher penalties.
Nurses
The State Board of Nursing can discipline nurses who are convicted of crimes. It also may discipline nurses who are suspected of alcohol abuse. Fortunately, the board usually aims to rehabilitate nurses instead of revoking their licenses. You may be required to attend a rehabilitation program and undergo a period of close supervision, but you typically won’t lose your license — at least for a first offense.
Teachers
Teachers in Colorado generally aren’t disciplined for misdemeanor DUIs, but individual school districts may have different policies. As is the case with most professions, the board of education handles these offenses on a case-by-case basis.
Are you facing a DUI charge? Protect your license with experienced legal representation. Call the Law Office of Kevin Cahill at 720-445-9887 or get in touch through the online contact form.
Pilots
If you’re wondering, “How can a DUI impact my professional license?” it’s helpful to know that impacts on pilot licenses are especially severe. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposes strict penalties on pilots with DUI arrests. If you are arrested or convicted of an alcohol-related offense, you must report it within 60 days. The FAA may suspend or revoke your license. If you do have the option to keep your license, you may be required to attend counseling or rehabilitative programs.
Security Clearances
Many government-related jobs require you to maintain a specific level of security clearance. If you have a job requiring a security clearance, you typically won’t automatically lose the clearance for a DUI, especially if it’s a misdemeanor or first-time offense. However, serious or repeated DUIs are more likely to result in loss of your clearance.
The same goes for DUIs that happen alongside other concerns. For example, if your employer has concerns about your stability or trustworthiness and you then get a DUI, the DUI might be the final straw that makes you lose your clearance.
It’s important to note that if you don’t already have a security clearance, having a DUI (especially a recent DUI) generally makes it more difficult to obtain a clearance. Even if you do successfully secure a clearance, a DUI on your record might make it harder to find employment.
Facing a DUI Charge? Don’t Take Chances.
Your Livelihood Is on the Line
A DUI charge in Colorado can have a serious impact on anyone. But if you have a professional license, the consequences may be especially dire. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, it is critically important to do whatever you can to minimize your chances of a conviction. And one of the best ways to protect yourself is to retain an experienced defense attorney. Kevin Cahill has a long track record of success, including cases where defendants are professionally licensed.
Don’t gamble with your professional license. If you’ve been charged with DUI, call the Law Office of Kevin Cahill at 720-445-9887 or get in touch through the online contact form.