If you’re convicted of a DUI, the immediate consequences that might come to mind would be a criminal record and loss of your driver’s license. However, for many people, the stakes can be even higher – a loss of professional license. Losing your professional license can cost you your job, future employment opportunities and the ability to earn a living.
After putting in so much time, energy and money into your education and career, don’t let yourself lose it all from a DUI conviction. An experienced attorney can give you the best chance for a positive outcome, a clean criminal record, as well as work to ensure you don’t lose your professional license.
DUI/DWI conviction and professional license loss
Not every industry will revoke a professional license due to a criminal conviction, but the majority will. Typically, professional organizations and agencies that base their memberships and licenses on ethics and good moral character are more likely to revoke a professional license as a result of a DUI/DWI conviction.
These types of industries and professions can include:
- Attorneys
- Chiropractors
- Commercial and truck drivers
- Doctors
- Educators and teachers
- Insurance agents
- Military personnel and contractors
- Nurses
- Optometrists
- Realtors
- Social workers
All professional agencies have their own boards that have their own guidelines and procedures for handling a member with a criminal conviction, and how that conviction might affect that member’s license. You may be unable to obtain a professional license at all with a conviction on your record, you may have your license temporarily suspended or your license may be revoked altogether. This decision is usually made at a hearing in front of the agency’s licensing board.
Many professional licensing boards will allow you the opportunity to defend yourself, as well as provide relevant information relating to your criminal conviction. This is why it’s crucial to have a smart and strategic lawyer on your side to explain your options and your rights.
What should I do if I’m convicted of a DUI or DWI?
The hours and days following a DUI conviction can be filled with fear and uncertainty. However, you’ll need to begin taking back control of your life and your livelihood as soon as possible in order to protect your career and professional license:
- Talk to an attorney who specializes in professional licensing right away. Establishing a strong defense as soon as possible is the best way to build credibility and work toward restoring or securing your license.
- Follow the judge’s orders. Whether this is loss of driving privileges or installation of an ignition lock device, ensure you follow and complete all orders from the judge to avoid further penalties.
- Demonstrate good character. Participate in treatment or community service to show you’re taking steps toward rehabilitation.
Losing your professional license on top of a criminal conviction can have lifelong repercussions and derail the career you’ve worked long and hard for. Being proactive can give you the best chance for a positive outcome – holding onto your license and your job.
The criminal defense attorneys at Carey Law Office can help. If you’re facing DUI or DWI charges, call us today so we can fight for you. For a consultation, please call 301-464-2500 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment. We have offices in Bowie and Crofton, and serve clients throughout Maryland.
My name is Joe Carey, and I am the founder and principal attorney of the Carey Law Office. I have lived in Maryland my entire life. I grew up in a small town in Prince George’s County and, with the help of my partner in life, Nancy, I raised my family here: three exceptional children (a son and two daughters), and two goofy, spoiled black Labrador Retrievers. Learn More
