What Happens to Your Medical License After a California DUI?

Depending on the facts of the case, a DUI may impact your medical license

What Happens to Your Medical License After a California DUI?

Doctors go through years of training — and undertake substantial debt — to join their profession. Could a single mistake, like driving after having too much to drink, undo all of that hard work?

In California, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. Depending on the facts of the case, it could be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, and possibly punished by jail time. In addition, anyone convicted of a California DUI will face a suspension of their driver’s license, mandatory alcohol education classes, community service, fines and fees.

According to an experienced DUI lawyer Riverside, CA, physicians who are convicted of driving under the influence are required to report their conviction to the California Medical Board. If they fail to do so, they could be fined up to $5,000.

Reporting the conviction does not mean that the DUI will impact your medical license, however. The Medical Board will review the details of the criminal charge and conviction to determine if it is “substantially related to the profession.” For this reason, not every DUI conviction will impact a doctor’s ability to practice medicine.

For example, if you get a DUI while you are on vacation, and no other people were involved and there was no accident property damage, then there is a better chance that the Board will decide that your DUI was unrelated to your ability to practice medicine. By contrast, if you have had repeated DUI convictions, had a particularly high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of your arrest, or injured others in an accident, that may increase the likelihood that the Board will take action.

The discipline for a DUI will vary depending on the situation. For some, the Board may require treatment and therapy in order to keep their license. Others may be required to submit to daily drug and alcohol testing or medical examination. Still others may lose their jobs or their medical malpractice insurance, or be put on probation.

If you are arrested for a DUI as a doctor, the stakes are often higher because being convicted may affect your ability to do your job. If the Board decides that you have a bigger issue, such as alcoholism or drug addiction, then you may lose your license or be subjected to harsh consequences.

The best way to avoid the potential loss of your career after a DUI arrest is to hire a top notch DUI lawyer Riverside, CA. A highly skilled attorney can work with you to put together the best possible defense. This will include examining the facts of your case and filing the necessary legal motions to have the charges reduced or dismissed if possible.

The Chambers Law Firm represents professionals and others whose license or career may be at risk if they are convicted of a DUI. We are experienced in handling the more sensitive aspects of these cases, and will aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome for each of our clients. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation, contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com.

.
Call Us Today