Even thought a first offense DUI is commonly treated as a misdemeanor offense here in Minnesota, some people have a lot more to lose than others if they end up being found guilty of a DUI. Certain professions can face significant penalties and even lose their job as a result of a DUI, which is why they need to contest the charge and understand all their options heading into trial. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at five professions that absolutely need to sync up with a lawyer if they have been charged with a DUI.
A DUI Can Severely Impact These Professions
It’s always a good idea to take a free consultation with a lawyer if you have been charged with driving under the influence, but that’s especially true if you work in one of these fields.
1. CDL Carriers – If you drive for a living or hold a commercial driver’s license for other purposes, know that a DWI can result in the suspension or revocation of your CDL. If you no longer have your commercial driver’s license, you could be out of a job depending upon what line of work you’re in. Even if you were driving a passenger car at the time of your arrest, it can still have implications for your CDL, so make sure you consult with a lawyer if you are a CDL holder and are charged with a DUI.
2. Medical Professionals – Your professional license can also be suspended or revoked if you end up with a DUI, so doctors and surgeons could lose their right to practice medicine. It’s not automatic, but the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice will review all convictions and determine if discipline is necessary. They do not take alcohol violations lightly, especially because doctors and surgeons oftentimes deal with life or death matters. If you hold a professional medical license, make sure you talk to a lawyer to ensure you don’t lose your right to practice.
3. Real Estate Agent – Similarly, if you are a licensed non-medical professional like a real estate agent, a DUI conviction can cause problems for your career. It’s unlikely that your license will be suspended immediately, but when you are due to renew your license, you’ll have to answer questions about the conviction and the licensing board may not automatically renew your license. It’s worth talking with a lawyer if you are a non-medical professional that carries a license in Minnesota.
4. International Workers – If your job takes you out of the country, a DUI can impact your ability to travel as freely as you’d like. Specifically, entering Canada with a DUI on your record can be tough. If your job takes you to Canada frequently, a DUI can severely complicate that process. You may be able to file for certain permits in order to ensure you can enter Canada for work, but that will come with some additional costs. If you expect to head to Canada in the next decade for work or pleasure, don’t just plead guilty to a DUI, because it could make it difficult or impossible to enter Canada.
5. Pilots – Finally, if you are a professional or recreational pilot, your pilot’s license could be stripped if you are convicted of a DWI. Again, the DUI doesn’t have to occur in a plane for it to affect your pilot’s license. If you are over the limit when you’re operating a car, ATV or boat, your ability to fly can be taken away by the state.
It’s always a good idea to take a free consultation with a lawyer if you are facing a DWI charge, so no matter what line of work you’re in, if you need help after an arrest, give Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm a call today at (952) 224-2277.
