If you recently received a DUI and are wondering “Does a DUI affect a medical license?” the answer is YES! In California, a DUI conviction can have serious consequences for a doctor’s medical license. The Medical Board of California (MBC) has the authority to discipline doctors who have been convicted of crimes, including DUIs. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a doctor who is convicted of a DUI may face disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation.
A lawyer can help a doctor in California who received a DUI keep their medical license by taking the following steps:
- Evaluate the case: The lawyer will review the details of the DUI charge, including the circumstances of the arrest, the evidence against the doctor, and any prior convictions or disciplinary actions.
- Develop a defense strategy: Based on their evaluation of the case, the lawyer will develop a defense strategy that aims to minimize the impact of the DUI charge on the doctor’s medical license.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor: If possible, the lawyer may negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or penalties. This can help the doctor avoid a conviction, which can be a significant factor in a medical license review.
- Represent the doctor in administrative proceedings: If the doctor’s medical license is under review by the MBC, the lawyer can represent the doctor in administrative proceedings. This can include preparing and presenting evidence in support of the doctor’s case, and negotiating with the licensing board to minimize any sanctions.
- Appeal any adverse decisions: If the doctor’s medical license is suspended or revoked, the lawyer can file an appeal with the MBC on behalf of the doctor. This can involve presenting arguments and evidence to the MBC to overturn the decision.
Schedule A Consultation Today
The Law Offices of Lucy S. McAllister can be the best representation for your professional licensing case. With over 30 years of experience, we understand what’s needed to best represent you.
Tell us about your licensing issues so we can get you back to work.
It’s important to note that California law requires doctors to report any criminal convictions to the MBC within 30 days. Failure to report a DUI conviction could result in additional disciplinary action. Therefore, it’s crucial for doctors in California who receive a DUI to seek the assistance of a qualified lawyer as soon as possible to protect their medical license.
It’s advisable for a doctor in California who received a DUI to consult with a lawyer before reporting the conviction to the Medical Board of California. This is because any information that a doctor provides to the MBC may be used against them in disciplinary proceedings.
An experienced lawyer can help a doctor understand their legal rights and obligations, and develop a strategy for reporting the DUI conviction to the MBC. The lawyer can also advise the doctor on what information to disclose and how to present it to the MBC in a way that is most favorable to their case.
Furthermore, a lawyer can assist the doctor in negotiating with the prosecutor to potentially reduce the charges or penalties. If the DUI charge is reduced or dismissed, the doctor may not need to report the conviction to the MBC at all.
In short, a DUI does affect a medical license and it’s recommended that a doctor who received a DUI in California consult with a lawyer before reporting the conviction to the MBC. This can help protect their legal rights and interests and minimize the impact of the DUI on their medical license.
