If you are charged with driving while under the influence (DUI) in New Jersey, you could face severe penalties, including hefty fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Although some of these penalties may not appear harsh, the consequences of this offense can be long-lasting and negatively impact the rest of your life. However, if you hold a professional license, being charged with this offense could lead to the revocation of your license. Ultimately, this could result in the loss of your job, affecting your future employment opportunities and income. After putting years of hard work and finances toward obtaining a professional license, it can all be ripped away if you are convicted of a DUI. As such, it’s vital to enlist the help of our experienced Bergen County DUI Attorneys, who can help shield you from your charges to protect your professional license.
Can you lose your professional license after a DUI in New Jersey?
In pursuing a professional license for a particular field, the evaluating organization or agency must trust the applicant’s moral character and judgment. The decision to grant a professional license is based on a thorough evaluation of the applicant’s merit and integrity. As such, your professional license will likely be suspended or revoked due to a DUI conviction. This is primarily because when they issue a professional license, it is based on public trust. When an individual violates the law, they are violating that trust. The following professions may be affected by a DUI conviction:
- Physician
- Nurse
- Educator
- Real estate agent
- Insurance agent
- Military personnel
- Lawyers
- Pharmacists
- Accountants
- Law enforcement officers
While a DUI conviction may result in disciplinary action, it usually will lead to license suspension or revocation. Every professional agency has policies on handling members with a criminal conviction and how that conviction affects licensure. You could be denied one if you have not obtained a professional license yet based on this criminal offense.
What should I do following a DUI arrest?
If you’ve been charged with DUI, you should immediately report it to your licensing agency. Regardless of their policy, you must report this criminal conviction as it will improve your chances of maintaining your professional license. If you attempt to hide your arrest, it will haunt you. To protect your credibility, it would be best to be upfront about your conviction to the appropriate entity. Moreover, it would be best to speak to an attorney immediately. A qualified attorney can help you establish a solid defense to combat your charges and preserve your professional license.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in New Jersey, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled Bergen County DUI attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector, who can help fight to protect your future.
