DUI and Professional Licenses

The criminal penalties associated with an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) are difficult enough, but people with certain jobs in Southeastern Pennsylvania can face additional complications if they need professional licenses as part of their careers. In these circumstances, a DUI conviction can jeopardize an individual’s good standing and have profound long-term consequences.

In addition to criminal court appearances, people with professional licenses can also be forced to deal with licensing board investigations and hearings relating to a DUI charge. Depending on a person’s profession, he or she could have his or her license revoked or suspended, and applicants could be disqualified from obtaining their licenses.

Philadelphia DUI and Professional License Lawyer

If you are any kind of a licensed professional who is now facing drunk driving charges in Southeastern Pennsylvania, you will want to make sure that you have legal counsel as soon as possible. Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC helps professionals throughout Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and New Jersey.

Our firm understands the tremendous stress that these arrests place on people with professional licenses, and we will work tirelessly to get the most favorable resolution to your case that allows you to retain your license. Call (215) 665-1695 right now to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation that will allow our DUI and professional license attorneys review your case.

Pennsylvania DUI and Professional Licenses Overview

DUI Consequences for Philadelphia Medical Professionals

There are multiple professions in the medical field that have different hearings and boards that determine penalties for DUI convictions:

Dentists — Any dentist is required to report his or her DUI conviction on an initial application for a dental license or when renewing a dental license. The State Board of Dentistry will review the application and possible penalties may vary on a case-to-case basis.
Doctors — The State Board of Medicine regulates the practice of medicine through the licensure, registration and certification of doctors as well as physician assistants, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, nurse-midwives, acupuncturists, practitioners of oriental medicine, perfusionists, behavioral specialists, and athletic trainers. The Board has the authority to take disciplinary or corrective action against these professionals, and it may require a hearing to evaluate the character of an alleged offender and his or her fitness to practice medicine. Failure to report a DUI conviction to the Board may result in a loss of a medical license.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) — An EMT is required to report a DUI offense the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and it usually results in an automatic license suspension. If convicted, an EMT could also have his or her certification denied or face other disciplinary measures from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
Nurses — The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires DUIs to be reported on all initial applications or during periods of biennial renewal. The Board has the authority to discipline existing nurses—including possible revocation of licenses—or deny licenses for initial applicants if they were convicted for, pleaded guilty to, or received Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a DUI, present a clear a present danger to the public health or safety, are addicted to alcohol or illegal substances, or possessed, used, or distributed a controlled substance for non-medically accepted purposes.
Pharmacists — A pharmacist is required to a DUI conviction to the State Board of Pharmacy, where the case will be considered by the Professional Compliance Office. Pharmacists may be referred to the Professional Health Monitoring Programs (PHMP) of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) and directed to one of PHMP’s two programs, the Voluntary Recovery Program (VRP) or the Disciplinary Monitoring Unit (DMU).

Pennsylvania DUI Issues for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Motorists

Commercial drivers can have their CDLs suspended even if they are arrested for DUI in their own personal vehicles. A driver could have his or her CDL suspended for 12 months for a first DUI conviction, but a second DUI conviction can result in an 18-month suspension of a CDL and possibly even a lifetime ban.

Professional License Problems for Philadelphia Pilots in DUI Cases

Under the DUI/DWI compliance program enacted by Congress in 1990, all pilots are required to send a notification letter the Security and Investigations Division of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) within 60 calendar days of the effective date of an alcohol-related conviction or administrative action. Furthermore, each event, conviction, or administrative action requires a separate notification letter. Failure to take these actions can result in a pilot’s license being suspended or revoked.

Other Pennsylvania Professional Licenses Affected by DUI

There are several more occupations in the Commonwealth for which people need professional licenses and have different methods of handling DUI arrests. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

Accountants
Architects
Assessors
Auctioneers
Barbers
Cosmetologists
Counselors
Engineers
Funeral Directors
Geologists
Inspectors
Nursing Home Administrators
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Real Estate Agents
Social Workers
Surveyors
Therapists
Veterinary Technicians

Find a DUI and Professional License Lawyer in Philadelphia

Are you a licensed professional who was recently arrested for DUI in Southeastern Pennsylvania? You will want to seek legal representation for help with your very understandable concerns about how these criminal charges could affect your personal and professional life.

Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC represents clients in Delaware County, Chester County, Bucks County, Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, and New Jersey. Our DUI and professional license attorneys will provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call (215) 665-1695 today to schedule a free consultation.