We represent different types of professionals: doctors, nurses, dentists, etc. They all have at least one thing in common with each other: they cannot afford a DUI conviction on their record. I am often asked by these professionals about how a DUI conviction will impact their medical license. The answer can be startling. It is possible that a DUI conviction could result in the suspension or loss of your license to practice. This means you would most likely lose your job and source of income.
The good news is two-fold:
- First, the board does not typically get involved while a DUI is pending.
- Second, DUI charges can be beaten by an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Under what is known as the Ohio Nurse Practice Act, R.C. 4723, the board can take action against a nurse and the nurse’s license even if the conviction is not related to the practice of nursing. Is this fair? Certainly not. However, few attorneys are equipped to handle both criminal defense and the defense of a professional license at the same time. The attorney needs to understand that while aggressive defense is needed, they need to avoid ruining the nurse’s professional license at the same time.
For instance, in the DUI context, if the attorney aggressively pushes that the nurse has a drinking problem but that has obtained the required treatment to justify a reduction (depending on the court/prosecution combination) the attorney does not realize that they just caused their client serious problems with the licensing board. Fortunately, we understand these problems and will aggressively defend you with the understanding required to protect your freedom and your future.
Call us today and ask to speak to me, Joe Patituce, regarding the specifics of your arrest in Cleveland, Ohio. Be sure to tell me about your nursing license so that we can go over the specific ways we need to help you.
