Many sought-after professions require you to first obtain a license. Licensing boards decide who qualifies for a license, and requirements usually include completing an educational program, gaining certain practical experience, and passing an exam. Many licensing boards also take a close look at an applicant’s personal history, including overall character, misconduct, or any possible financial or mental issues. If a board denies your license application, you may have obtained a costly education with no opportunity to pursue your chosen career path.
Once you obtain a license, you do not necessarily possess it indefinitely. Misconduct or other issues can result in a licensing board suspending or revoking your license. If you have already established career, losing your license can mean losing your livelihood. You cannot work in your chosen profession, and you may lack experience or training in other fields. In short, losing a professional license can financially and emotionally devastate you.
The following are only some professions that require you to obtain and maintain a valid license in Maryland:
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary medicine
- Law
- Accounting
- Teaching
- Psychology
- Architecture
- Engineering
CAN YOU LOSE A PROFESSIONAL LICENSE DUE TO A DUI?
For many professions, any criminal conviction will provide a reason for the licensing board to review your case. For example, if you are a practicing attorney and convicted of a DUI in Maryland, you would need to report your conviction to the Maryland State Board of Law Examiners. The board would then open an investigation into the matter.
A DUI conviction will not always mean you will lose your license. The board will examine the totality of the circumstances, including whether you have any past trouble with the law or a history of substance abuse or poor decision-making. If a DUI indicates a pattern of unlawful behavior, the board may suspend your law license. Multiple DUI convictions are more likely to result in a revocation, as they show that you keep repeating the same unlawful and dangerous behavior.
Some professions take a potential alcohol problem very seriously. For example, if you are a surgeon, you need a clear mind every time you are at work. Indications of substance abuse issues can form a huge factor when determining whether to issue or renew a medical license.
A DUI conviction can usually mean fines of as much as $1,000 and probation or jail time. However, if you lose your professional license, even temporarily, your conviction gets a lot costlier. Losing your ability to earn a living can damage your household finances for months or years to come.
CONTACT OUR MARYLAND DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEYS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
The skilled DUI defense lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC, strive to avoid convictions for our clients whenever possible to minimize the possible long-term consequences of each case. We aggressively defend against DUI charges, so after an arrest, call (301) 494-9620 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.