The Professional Consequences of a DWI

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DWI: The Professional Consequences

If you have been arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you know exactly how upsetting that is. The consequences of a DWI conviction are significant, including hefty fines, legal expenses, the attendant social stigma, loss of driving privileges, and the risk of time spent in jail. In addition to these, you may also face consequences related to your profession and your professional licensure. If you have been charged with a DWI, you need a Killeen criminal defense lawyer by your side.

A DWI Conviction and Your Profession

A DWI charge is difficult. A DWI conviction that can affect your professional career is more difficult still. While the legal ramifications of such a conviction are always steep, certain professionals are also subject to highly specific consequences that relate to their careers. While the details will vary according to your career, there are several generalities to consider:

  • If you are a medical or legal professional with a DWI conviction, you must disclose this information to your licensure board and to any disciplinary board. Failure to do so could put you at risk of losing your professional license to practice.

  • This disclosure applies whether you are applying for licensure or are renewing your licensure.

  • The consequences of such a revelation can range from formal discipline to the revocation of your professional license.

  • If you are a doctor, you will likely be required to undergo a hearing that will determine whether or not you are deemed fit to continue to practice medicine. The process for dentists, on the other hand, is typically determined on a case-by-case basis.

  • If you are a commercial driver, you are subject to a lower BAC threshold and to harsher penalties on your commercial driver’s license. If the charge is very serious, you could lose your commercial driver’s license permanently.

  • There are also disciplinary systems in place for professionals like teachers, police officers, and firefighters, and the resulting consequences can include professional discipline, loss of licensure or certification, suspension, or even job loss.

Seek Experienced Legal Counsel

If you are facing DWI charges and are a professional whose job may be affected by a conviction, you need a skilled Central Texas DWI attorney. While you may be tempted to follow the path of least resistance and to simply accept the charges levied, the consequences are far too dire not to fight the charge. Further, prosecutors are adept at pressuring the accused into accepting guilty pleas for the sake of expediency; do not allow yourself to be pressured – consult with a DWI attorney instead.

If You Are Facing DWI Charges, Consult with an Experienced Killeen Criminal Attorney Today

Facing a charge of DWI is difficult on a variety of levels, but if you also face professional consequences, you need experienced legal counsel from the outset. The skilled DWI attorneys at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Central Texas are committed to aggressively advocating for your case’s best possible resolution. We are here to help, so please contact or call us at (254) 220-4225 today. Your initial consultation is free.

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