You may be aware that a DUI conviction can result in license suspension, jail time, fines and other civil and criminal penalties. However, you should also consider how a conviction will impact other areas of your life, including your career.
Many professionals, including doctors, real estate agents, nurses, teachers, and attorneys, are required to obtain a license to do their jobs. To acquire a license, you may have to obtain a certain degree, undergo hours of training and pass several examinations.
Once you obtain your license, you must meet certain requirements to maintain your license. These requirements are generally established by the board in charge of licensure in your profession, under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
Impact of DUI on professional license
If you are charged with driving under the influence in Indiana, you may be required to disclose the incident to the agency in charge of your license.
For example, the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana requires you to disclose any new arrests or convictions on your form for license renewal that you must fill out every couple of years. You may also have to report any convictions, misdemeanor, or felony, to the medical board within 90 days following the conviction.
Once you have disclosed your arrest or conviction, it is up to the board to investigate the matter and decide what happens next. The consequences can range from probation to revocation of your license. You will likely have an opportunity to plead your case in front of the board to potentially lessen the severity of your consequences.
What should I do?
If you are facing DUI charges, your best option may be to speak to a criminal defense attorney. The experienced legal team at Kammen & Moudy represents medical professionals in front of the licensure board to help them keep the licenses they worked so hard to get.