Call

Email

Devoted Exclusively To Criminal Defense – Deeply Experienced In Providing An Aggressive Defense In State And Federal Court

is your nursing career over after a DUI?

On Behalf of | Dec 1, 2022 | Blog, Drunk Driving-DUI Charges

A DUI may have a negative impact on anyone regardless of their profession. According to Illinois law, you may be subject to jail time, a fine or other penalties if convicted of the charge. If you work as a nurse, you may face additional sanctions if convicted of drunk or impaired driving.

Indirect consequences for your career

If you lose your driver’s license, it may be difficult or impossible to get to work on time. It’s also possible that the financial penalties associated with a DUI make it harder to afford housing that is reasonably close to your place of work. Ultimately, it may become impractical to stay with your current employer even if you aren’t terminated, suspended or subject to other forms of professional discipline.

Potential professional consequences of a DUI

The state licensing authority may suspend or terminate your ability to serve as a nurse. This may be true even if you have no prior history of drunk driving or other criminal activity. However, it may be possible to avoid a license suspension or termination by outlining the steps that you’re taking to avoid getting in trouble in the future. These steps may include attending a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program or hiring a driver for outings with friends.

If you are charged with drunk driving, there are several strategies that you may use to contest the charge. For instance, it may be possible to assert that a blood or Breathalyzer test was performed improperly or that you were subject to an unlawful traffic stop. You may also be able to claim that slurred speech or an inability to stand were caused by a medical issue as opposed to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Archives