Can a DUI Threaten My Nursing License?

 Posted on August 22, 2022 in DUI

When someone is arrested for suspected drunk driving, their main concern may be jail time or driver’s license suspension. However, for licensed professionals, getting a drunk driving charge can also threaten their livelihood.

When a licensed nurse is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California, he or she can face additional penalties through the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). If you or a loved one are a nurse who was recently arrested for DUI in the Marin County area, reach out to a lawyer for help. All hope is not lost and there may be steps you or your loved one can take to avoid losing your nursing career.

Fighting Drunk Driving Charges

DUI charges are often based on the results of a field sobriety test or breathalyzer test. These tests are not perfect and false positives have been known to happen. With help from a skilled DUI defense lawyer, a nurse arrested for DUI may be able to get the charges dropped or receive a “not guilty” verdict.

Keeping Your Nursing License After Drunk Driving Charges

When someone is arrested for a criminal offense such as drunk driving, they are fingerprinted. When a nurse is arrested and fingerprinted, the BRN is notified of the arrest. The BRN may pursue suspension or revocation of the nurse’s nursing license.

Fortunately, the BRN offers an intervention program or diversion program that may help a nurse avoid harsh disciplinary penalties against his or her nursing license. This program is voluntary, so it is not required. However, a nurse who is struggling with alcoholism or substance abuse may find that the program provides the help they need. The program is confidential. If a nurse decides to participate in the intervention program, his or her license is temporarily inactivated.

The length of the temporary inactivation depends on the circumstances of the DUI and other factors, including:

• The results of a diagnostic evaluation

• The nurse’s drug and alcohol history and mental health history

• Whether the nurse is at risk of reoffending

• The results of drug testing during the program

Contact Our San Francisco Professional License Defense Lawyer

Being convicted of driving under the influence can lead to fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, or jail time. For licensed nurses, a DUI conviction can also lead to suspension or revocation of their nursing license.

For legal help and guidance after a DUI arrest, contact Napa nursing license defense attorney Paul Richard Burglin. Call 415-729-7300 for a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.rn.ca.gov/intervention/int-faqs.shtml#letter