If you're a licensed pharmacist in Minnesota and you've been arrested or think you might be, you're probably feeling overwhelmed. But here's what matters most: your license may be at risk, even if the charges seem unrelated to your work.
At the Lento Law Firm, we help Minnesota pharmacists protect their licenses and their futures. Whether you're facing a DWI, a shoplifting accusation, or a drug-related charge, it's critical to understand your rights and obligations under Minnesota law.
Contact our Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or you can fill out a contact form today.
What Should I Do After Being Arrested as a Pharmacist in Minnesota?
Stay calm. Say as little as possible to law enforcement or investigators until you speak with legal counsel. Contact a criminal defense attorney and our Professional License Defense Team immediately.
Do not discuss your arrest or charges with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy before getting advice. Statements made without counsel can be used in both criminal and licensing investigations.
Does an Arrest Automatically Affect My Pharmacy License?
Not necessarily — but it absolutely can. The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy has the authority to investigate, suspend, or revoke your license if your conduct raises concerns about your fitness to practice, even if no conviction occurs.
According to Minnesota Statutes §151.06, the Board may take disciplinary action for:
- Conviction of a felony or gross misdemeanor reasonably related to the profession
- Actions showing a lack of professional judgment
- Fraud, dishonesty, or unethical conduct
- Alcohol or drug misuse affecting professional performance
- Diversion of controlled substances
What If the Arrest is Not Job-Related?
It still matters, often more than pharmacists expect. Just because an arrest didn't happen at work or involve a patient doesn't mean the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy won't get involved. The Board has a broad mandate to evaluate your overall fitness to practice, not just your conduct on the job.
Off-duty arrests for offenses like driving while intoxicated (DWI), domestic violence, shoplifting, drug possession, or illegal firearm possession can all raise red flags. These types of charges may signal impaired judgment, poor decision-making, or potential safety risks — even if they have nothing to do with your pharmacy duties.
The Board Cares About Integrity
The Board doesn't just ask, “Did this happen at work?” It asks, “Does this reflect on your integrity, reliability, or ability to safely serve the public?” If the answer is yes, you may face an investigation and possible disciplinary action.
In many cases, pharmacists are surprised to learn that even misdemeanors or first-time offenses can lead to consequences like probation, monitoring, or mandatory treatment.
And if you fail to report the arrest within the required timeframe, the Board may impose additional penalties for noncompliance — regardless of how the criminal case turns out.
Why the Type of Charge Matters
Charges involving dishonesty, violence, fraud, or controlled substances are especially concerning to the Board. Even if you're not convicted, being charged with crimes involving "moral turpitude" can trigger scrutiny.
Crimes of moral turpitude often include:
- Theft
- Assault
- Fraud
- Drug offenses
Minnesota law (see §214.10 and §214.103) allows health licensing boards to investigate and act on unprofessional conduct, whether or not it leads to a conviction.
Practice-Related Arrests: High Risk, Fast Action
Arrests involving your work as a pharmacist usually prompt quicker, more aggressive action by the Board. These include:
- Drug diversion
- Practicing under the influence
- Record falsification
- Unauthorized dispensing or prescribing
The Board may issue an emergency suspension if it believes public safety is at risk. These actions can occur before your criminal case is resolved.
Substance-Related Offenses and Monitoring
Substance misuse is a serious concern. If you're arrested for DUI, drug possession, or misuse of prescription drugs, you may be required to undergo a substance use assessment or participate in the Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP).
Participation in HPSP can sometimes protect your license while demonstrating a commitment to recovery.
Do I Have to Report an Arrest to the Board?
Yes. Under Minnesota Rules 6800.2250, pharmacists must self-report:
- Arrests
- Criminal charges
- Convictions
- Disciplinary actions by other licensing bodies
You must report these events within a timely manner, often within 30 days. Failure to report can lead to separate disciplinary action, regardless of the outcome of your case.
What If I Don't Report?
Failing to report is a violation in itself. Even if your case is dismissed, failing to notify the Board can lead to:
- Reprimand
- Probation
- Civil penalties
- Suspension or revocation
The reporting obligation starts at the arrest or charge, not at conviction.
Can Past Arrests Affect My License?
Yes. If you failed to disclose an old arrest when applying for your license, the Board can pursue disciplinary action for fraud or misrepresentation. The Board may also reopen old matters if new concerns arise.
Can I Keep Working During an Investigation?
Often, yes — but it depends on the nature of the arrest and whether the Board views you as a public risk. In more serious cases, the Board can impose a temporary suspension while investigating.
Will Expungement Help My Case?
Possibly — but not always. While expungement may seal records from public view, the Board can still access them and will expect disclosure. Expungement can support your case during discipline negotiations but it does not remove your reporting obligation.
What If I'm Convicted?
If you're convicted of a crime as a licensed pharmacist in Minnesota, the consequences can be serious, but they aren't always career-ending. A conviction, especially for a felony, a drug-related offense, or a crime that involves dishonesty or your professional duties, will almost certainly trigger disciplinary action from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.
In some cases, the Board may open a formal investigation on its own, even if the criminal court has already resolved your case. However, a conviction does not automatically mean you'll lose your license.
How the Board Decides What Happens Next
The Board reviews each case individually and considers several important factors before deciding on discipline. These may include whether the crime was directly related to your professional responsibilities, your overall criminal record, whether you've complied with sentencing requirements, and if you've sought rehabilitation or completed a treatment program.
The Board also takes into account whether you reported the conviction promptly and whether you've been honest and cooperative throughout the process. Demonstrating accountability and a commitment to making things right can go a long way in reducing the severity of the Board's response.
With the right legal representation, it's often possible to negotiate a Consent Order that avoids harsh penalties like license suspension or revocation. These negotiated agreements may involve professional probation, mandatory continuing education, drug or alcohol monitoring, or ongoing reporting requirements. While not ideal, these alternatives can keep you practicing while you work to rebuild trust with the Board.
At the Lento Law Firm, we work to present your case in the most favorable light, highlighting your progress and protecting your ability to continue your career.
How Can I Show I'm Taking Responsibility?
The Board responds more favorably when pharmacists:
- Report promptly
- Comply with investigations
- Acknowledge wrongdoing
- Complete treatment or court requirements
- Maintain good conduct going forward
- Demonstrating accountability and insight can lead to leniency.
Do I Need a License Defense Lawyer?
Even “minor” charges like shoplifting, DWI, or misdemeanor drug possession can lead to serious consequences for your pharmacy license. The Board is less concerned with the outcome of your criminal case and more focused on whether your conduct reflects sound judgment, honesty, and public safety. That means even an arrest without a conviction can trigger disciplinary action.
A license defense attorney can help you at every step. They'll guide you through the reporting process, help you draft disclosures that are truthful yet strategic, and coordinate with your criminal defense lawyer to ensure consistency between both cases. They can also represent you during Board inquiries, hearings, or settlement conferences, making sure your rights and your career are protected.
Trying to manage this alone can lead to unnecessary risks. With the right legal support, you can respond confidently, avoid missteps, and put your career back on track.
How We Help Minnesota Pharmacists
At the Lento Law Firm, we provide strong, strategic support for Minnesota pharmacists facing criminal charges and threats to their professional license. Whether you're dealing with a recent arrest, an ongoing investigation, or a Board inquiry, we know what's at stake — and we're here to help you protect your future.
Strategic Risk Assessment
Every case is different, and one-size-fits-all advice won't cut it. That's why we start with a careful assessment of your unique situation. We'll walk you through whether you're legally required to report the incident, what the Board might expect, and how to present the facts without oversharing. Our goal is to minimize risk while ensuring compliance with Minnesota Board of Pharmacy regulations.
Representation Before the Board
When the Board opens an investigation, every communication matters. We handle it all—from submitting written explanations and assembling supporting documents to representing you during informal conferences or formal hearings. With our team on your side, you won't have to guess what's coming next or how to respond.
Criminal and Licensing Coordination
Criminal charges and licensing issues don't exist in separate bubbles. What happens in one process can directly affect the other. That's why we coordinate closely with your criminal defense attorney to make sure your legal strategies align. We help ensure that your defense in court doesn't unintentionally harm your standing with the Board.
Board Negotiation Experience
We understand how the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy operates, including how it reviews complaints, evaluates conduct, and issues discipline. We've negotiated on behalf of licensed professionals in a wide range of cases and know how to advocate for reduced penalties, alternatives to suspension, or even closure of the investigation.
Whether you're aiming to protect your license, secure a second chance, or simply tell your side of the story effectively, we know how to get results.
Arrested or Facing Charges? Let's Talk.
If you're a Minnesota pharmacist dealing with an arrest or criminal charges, it's critical to take immediate action. Your license and your livelihood could be on the line. Managing both the legal system and the Board's disciplinary process on your own can lead to costly mistakes.
At the Lento Law Firm, we know how overwhelming this moment can be. Our legal team focuses on protecting licensed professionals like pharmacists when their careers are threatened by criminal allegations or Board investigations.
We're well-versed in the rules and procedures of the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy and know how to build a strong, personalized pharmacist license defense tailored to your specific situation.
Protect Your License Today
Waiting too long to act—or making a misstep early in the process—can lead to serious consequences for your license, your reputation, and your career. The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy takes criminal matters seriously, and even one oversight in how you report or respond can put everything you've worked for at risk.
That's why it's so important to have experienced legal guidance right from the start. At the Lento Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team knows how to handle the complex intersection of criminal charges and professional discipline.
We'll help you understand your rights, fulfill your obligations, and make smart decisions that protect your future. Don't try to handle this alone. Contact the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or you can fill out a contact form today.
