Will I lose my professional license if I am convicted of a DUI?
A DUI conviction can have serious consequences on nearly every aspect of your life. While potential prison time, fees, and loss of your driver’s license may be the first negative repercussions that come to mind, there are many possible others. For those of us who make a living using a professional degree, a DUI can be devastating. Doctors, nurses, legal professionals, educators, and many others may lose their ability to earn a living in their field due to a DUI conviction. Our Phoenix, Arizona DUI lawyers discuss the often overlooked potential consequences of a DUI in the state of Arizona below.
Consequences of a DUI
A first offense DUI in the state of Arizona is generally a misdemeanor crime, punishable by ten days in jail, fines and fees up to $2,500.00, installation of an ignition interlock device, and suspension of your driver’s license. A second offense DUI is also a misdemeanor, punishable by a minimum of 30 days in jail, fines of up to $2,500, mandatory alcohol classes, and loss of your license for one year.
Third offense DUIs or a DUI with aggravating factors, such as injuries to another or a minor in the vehicle, will be charged as felony offenses. These heightened DUIs could carry penalties of up to two years in jail, fees of up to $150,000, loss of your license for three years, and other devastating consequences.
Professions Impacted by a DUI
Your professional license likely took you much time, money, and effort to achieve. Likely you also rely on your license as your source of income. Some professional licenses can be greatly affected by a DUI conviction. Certain professions require that strong character and morals among the license holders will choose to discipline members who are convicted of a DUI. These professions include physicians, nurses, educators, engineers, lawyers, dentists, real estate agents, law enforcement officers, and many others.
Your state licensing board will ultimately make the determination as to whether you will be subjected to sanctions for your DUI conviction. The best course of action you can take is to avoid being charged with a DUI or, if you find yourself facing charges, aggressively fight the charge. Contact a DUI lawyer to assist in your defense as soon as possible.