How a DUI Can Cause Professionals to Lose More Than Their Driver’s License
You probably already know that drunk driving often carries significant penalties. Aside from significant fines, it often leads to jail time and mandatory suspension of the driving license. However, if you are a licensed professional, a DUI can also cause you to lose your professional license.
We saw a clear example of this in South Carolina. Lance Lowe, a pediatrician and founder of Palmetto Pediatrics, faced a DUI charge. Following the charge, he voluntarily surrendered his license to the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. A state spokesperson confirmed that a physician who voluntarily surrenders a license cannot practice medicine unless the board explicitly reinstates it.
Surrendering a license is a massive step. Many healthcare workers panic when facing a criminal charge and make rushed decisions that severely damage their careers. While in some instances a voluntary surrender can be a wise choice, it can lead to irrevocable negative consequences if done in the wrong circumstances. Having experienced legal counsel on your side is one of the only ways to know which step to take next.
The LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team has extensive experience guiding medical professionals through the process and making informed decisions that help preserve their careers and ability to practice.
Call us today at 888.535.3686 or send us a confidential message online to protect your reputation and jumpstart your defense.
How Substance Abuse Allegations Impact Your License
When a doctor or nurse faces a DUI charge, the licensing board treats it as a red flag for a potential substance abuse disorder. The board prioritizes patient safety above all else. From their point of view, if someone is willing to endanger public safety by driving while drunk, how can we be sure they will prioritize patient safety?
State boards will launch an independent investigation into your background. Investigators frequently refer accused professionals for a mandatory evaluation. If an evaluator diagnoses you with an alcohol or substance use disorder, the board may require you to sign a monitoring agreement. This often involves years of random drug testing and heavy practice restrictions.
Why You Need To Defend Your Career
Many medical professionals try to hide a DUI arrest from their licensing board. This strategy always fails. Most states require you to self-report criminal arrests within a specific timeframe. Failing to report the incident is a standalone violation that increases the disciplinary sanctions against you.
Conversely, some professionals immediately surrender their license or agree to every demand the board makes without consulting legal representation. You have due process rights. You have the right to challenge the board’s evidence and negotiate the terms of any disciplinary action.
How the LLF National Law Firm Team Protects Your Medical License
The LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team works aggressively to protect your livelihood. We handle all communication with board investigators and guide you through the complex administrative process.
Do not let a DUI charge or substance abuse allegation destroy your career. Call the LLF National Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or contact us online, and we will help you protect your future.