The Department of Health and professional licensing boards view doctors, nurses and other licensed health professionals with a drunk driving arrest or conviction as a risk to the public. This notion also applies to other professional license boards, such as state bars for attorneys. As such, these professionals can face serious consequences, not only with respect to their driving privileges, but also for their professional licenses.
Common Consequences of Licensed Professionals Facing a DWI
The fines and sanctions that professionals may face with licensing boards after a drunk driving arrest can differ depending on the profession and the jurisdiction. However, some common sanctions include:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $10,000.
- Probation with regard to practicing in their profession and/or practice
- Increased difficulty in finding future employment within that profession
- Revocation of their license, including licenses in other states
- Being subject to random drug and alcohol testing
- Having to attend mandatory counseling or recovery programs
- Having a Letter of Concern placed in your file
There are many factors that the licensing board may consider in imposing the fines and sanction as a result of a DUI and DWI. Some factors that may be considered include:
- Prior criminal history
- Disciplinary actions
- Length of time in your profession
- Rehabilitation efforts
- Restitution
- Financial hardships
- The extent of your drug or alcohol problem
- The deterrent effect of the penalty imposed upon you
- The actual damage caused by the violation
In order to avoid any further damage to your license and your profession, it is best to have the drunk driving charge dismissed in the first place. To reduce the likelihood of a conviction, it is in your best interest to immediately consult an experienced New Jersey drunk driving attorney after a drunk driving arrest. A good attorney will review the specific facts of your claim to devise the best strategy and defenses to dismiss the DWI charges against you.
How To Avoid a DWI
- Know your limits and know the law –If you are feeling tipsy or have lost track of how much alcohol you have consumed, it is best to call a cab or ask a designated driver to take you home.
- Leave the car at home – If you know or are planning to consume alcohol at your destination, it is best to leave your car at home in the first place and a catch a ride or a cab. This will ensure that you will not get behind the wheel and help you avoid the possibility of a DWI.
- Know your rights – Most DWI’s can be avoided if you simply know your rights. If you have consumed any amount of alcohol and get pulled over, you should not answer any of the police officer’s questions that may reveal how much you have had to drink. If the officer suspects that you were drinking and driving, don’t say anything without the presence of a DUI attorney.
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If you need to speak to a New Jersey DUI attorney regarding a charge, please contact the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404.a free consultation.
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