A DUI conviction can negatively impact just about anyone, but professionals who are caught drinking and driving risk losing their professional licenses, potentially forever. Losing your medical license may force you to give up the career you worked so hard for and damage your reputation in the community. A DUI attorney can advise you on what to do to protect yourself and your professional license.
Report Your Charges Within 30 Days
If you are a doctor charged or convicted of DUI, you have 30 days to notify the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine of your charges. Failure to disclose a DUI arrest or conviction within 30 days can result in a loss of your medical license.
ARD Program for First Time Offenders
If you are charged with a DUI and it is your first offense, you may be eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Program (ARD). If you successfully complete the program, you will not be convicted of a DUI. However, even if you go through the ARD program, you must still report it to the state medical board within 30 days, under P.L. 14, No. 6.
Medical Board Hearing
If you are convicted of a DUI, you may have to appear for a hearing where the medical board will determine whether you are unfit to practice medicine. The Board will investigate the case and determine whether you have an alcohol dependency or are abusing alcohol while treating patients. The investigation will occur even if the DUI occurs while the physician is off-the-clock. If the state board finds that you are unfit, they may suspend or revoke your license.
A doctor can face DUI consequences far beyond those experienced by the standard motorist. If you are a doctor facing DUI charges, a DUI attorney can help defend against the charges you face and help you hold on to the professional license you worked so hard to get.