The horrific consequences of DUIs are well-documented. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop some people from being accused of DUIs. In Pennsylvania, criminal charges like these can define a licensed professional's career, and not in a good way.
That's why you should get legal assistance immediately if you're facing DUI charges. There's no one better prepared for the task than the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team, so call their offices today at 888-535-3686 or fill out their confidential consultation form.
The Problem of Substance Addiction and DUIs Among Licensed Professionals
Studies show that substance addiction and abuse is a common and serious issue throughout the country. This should come as no surprise, given the fast-paced and high-stress nature lifestyles that many people are compelled to lead. Workers whose jobs require professional licenses are certainly no exception, especially for those with relatively easy access to various drugs and other substances.
For example, regular drug abuse is estimated to affect about 10% of healthcare providers. Opioids and sedatives are especially common. In the Keystone State specifically, the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing estimates that almost 10% of their licensed nurses alone needed referrals for its Alternative to Discipline (ATD) program to recover from substance addiction. The demands of the COVID-19 pandemic likely raised that percentage.
A dependence on drugs and alcohol often becomes the most obvious and dangerous when someone is pulled over for a DUI. In fact, Pennsylvania's fatal car crashes caused by drinking and driving are more prevalent than ever.
How Can DUIs and Similar Charges Impact a Professional License?
Pennsylvanian professional licensing boards deal severely with workers who are charged with DUIs, which can have far-reaching effects on your career. Consider some reasons why.
Violation of Codes of Conduct
Substance abuse is frequently against the codes of conduct established by every professional licensing board. Certain criminal convictions are frowned upon as well; the more dishonest, harmful, or irresponsible the charge, the more likely it is to lead to disciplinary action. Aspiring and seasoned professionals alike are subject to background checks before they're approved to obtain, renew, or upgrade their licenses. Since a DUI and any accompanying charges are criminal acts, convictions will show up on their records.
The relevant state licensing board reserves the right to restrict, suspend, revoke, or deny professional licenses for any licensees found guilty of DUIs or substance abuse. In other words, convictions could cost a licensee the opportunity to advance or start a job.
Interrupts a Career
Jail time is a common punishment for criminal convictions involving DUI and/or possession of controlled substances. Depending on whether the judge grades the charges as misdemeanors or felonies, the time spent in jail could range anywhere from a few days to several years. That's a long time to be out of the workforce, unable to continue networking, developing new skills, gaining experience, or padding a resume. The judge might send the defendant to a rehabilitation program instead, but since it could interfere with work as well, it may have the same effect as incarceration on one's career trajectory.
Even when a judge chooses not to impose a prison sentence or rehabilitation program, they will likely require the defendant to pay fines or fees related to the charges. Misdemeanor fines are usually more manageable than felony ones. Either way, however, many professional licensees are technically self-employed and must buy all their own equipment, office space, continuing education courses, and other items; spending that money on fines instead could literally cost them the ability to perform their job to their maximum capacity. It's difficult to recover from such a setback.
Decreases Trust in the Workplace
Even if a professional licensee accused of a DUI manages to avoid a criminal conviction and/or disciplinary action from the state board, the case dismissal may show up on their background check for seven years from the filing date. The mere fact that there was an investigation means that the licensee might have to deal with negative changes in their work environment.
A simple accusation of substance abuse or DUI tends to provoke distrust or wariness in others who are concerned about their own welfare and that of anyone under their care or supervision. They might view the licensee as a dangerous or undependable criminal regardless of the outcome of the case. Consequently, the defendant's co-workers could make the environment feel unwelcoming or hostile, or they might seek work elsewhere.
There's also the matter of supervisors and other authority figures in the defendant's workplace. If they feel that the defendant is unreliable based on a DUI or substance addiction, they might restrict the defendant's tasks or dismiss their applications for promotion. The licensee could be treated like a criminal in the work environment for years, permanently stunting their career growth.
Trust is among the most important currencies in the workforce. A DUI hinders a defendant's ability to develop positive professional relationships, refine or grow their skills, advance their career, or simply do their job in peace.
Why Contact the LLF Law Firm for Help?
If you're a licensed professional who is accused of a DUI, don't give up hope. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. Enlisting their aid offers you many advantages in your case, including the following.
Many law firms handle primarily professional license or criminal defense. The LLF Law Firm is among the few that proudly and competently deals with both. They even boast success in handling numerous DUI cases specifically. For years, they've cultivated a reputation for skilled and passionate criminal defense in Pennsylvania, ensuring that their clients are treated as whole people and given the new chances they need and deserve.
With their broad knowledge, specific experience, and firm commitment to their clients, they understand better than most attorneys how a DUI will affect your career. You'll get a thorough, holistic, and fully personalized defense strategy for every facet of your case all in one place.
Don't Let a DUI Destroy Your Career
Although substance abuse and DUIs are serious crimes, they don't have to derail your future. You still have the right and ability to move on from your mistakes and thrive in the field of work that you love. To find out how the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can protect your license from DUI charges, call them now at 888-535-3686 or fill out a confidential consultation form.
