An arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) can be terrifying no matter who you are or what you do for a living. A conviction for DUI has the potential to damage every aspect of a person’s life, from their reputation to their freedom. For medical professionals, a charge for DUI could even strip a person of their source of income and career opportunities.
Could a Conviction for DUI Cause You to Lose Your Job?
Medical professionals that could potentially have their careers destroyed by a conviction for DUI include, but are not limited to:
- Medical doctors (MDs)
- Advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs)
- Pharmacists
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Dentists
- Psychologists
- Physical therapists
- Clinical dietitians
- Surgeons
- Emergency medical technicians
- Paramedics
The Florida Board of Medicine takes drunk driving charges for physicians exceptionally seriously. All medical professionals must pass a background check before they can obtain their medical license. Any medical professionals facing DUI charges must report the offense to the medical board within 30 days of their conviction.
After reporting the incident, the Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation will typically launch an investigation to ensure that the DUI did not compromise their work. Following the investigation, a license to practice medicine could be temporarily suspended or even permanently revoked. The outcome of the investigation will largely depend on the circumstances surrounding the DUI and the defendant’s previous criminal record.
How to Protect Your Career in the Medical Field After a DUI
Thankfully, there are quite a few defense strategies that could be used to protect your medical career after an arrest for drunk driving. These include:
- Sealing your records
- Diversion program
- Pleading to different charges
- Preventing conviction
- Pleading not guilty
An experienced DUI attorney in Florida will have the knowledge to examine your case and determine what the best route for your defense should be for the best possibility of protecting your career in the medical field.
What Kind of Charges Can Affect a Florida Medical License?
Misdemeanor charges do not necessarily prohibit medical licensure or medical license renewal, but a conviction will likely result in disciplinary action.
Certain crimes can permanently or temporarily bar you from holding a medical license in Florida. Your license could be in jeopardy if you have been arrested for any offenses that involves:
- Fraud
- Substance abuse
- Failure to pay child or spousal support
- Medical malpractice
- Patient abuse or neglect
- Sexual misconduct
Any other crime involving immorality, dishonesty, or deceit could also be grounds for disciplinary action by the board and department under Florida Statute 458.331.
Contact an Attorney with over 30 Years of Experience to Fight Your Florida DUI Charges
The medical field is a highly stressful career path, and DUI charges in medical professions are not uncommon. If you have been arrested for drinking and driving in Palm Beach County, your career could be on the line. Contact Brian Gabriel the experienced criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel to find out more about how you may be able to defend your case and try to mitigate your charges.
Attorney Brian Gabriel has defended people all over the state of Florida for their criminal charges. Over the last 30 years, he has honed his skills in DUI litigation by familiarizing himself with all police investigative procedures, DUI testing requirements, and scientific testing instrumentations. For highly qualified defense for your DUI case, call Mr. Gabriel at (561) 622-5575 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.