Driving under the influence, besides it’s illegal, can be devastating for any driver, but especially so for doctors. Penalties, driver’s license suspension, installment of interlock ignition device, alcohol programs, even jail time are the potential things a DUI driver faces after a charge. But, it seems that some professions can get a far harsher outcome of a DUI charge than others.
If you’re a doctor who recently got a DUI, there are certain things you should take to minimize the damages that could happen to your career. One of the first things you should do after being arrested or charged with DUI is to call an Oregon DUI attorney as soon as possible.
Medical Board
It doesn’t matter if this is your first DUI conviction, the Medical Board will decide what actions they will take against you. This is often happening as in the past years, many doctors are getting DUI charges. DUI reflects badly on the medical profession; if you were able to drunk drive without thinking twice, then you have probably worked under the influence as well.
This would be the first assumption of the Medical Board. If you get a DUI there is a big chance the Medical Board will take disciplinary actions against you. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will lose your medical license and that your career is over, but you can expect a severe penalty.
You might be asked to take drug and alcohol treatment programs. However, even though this might not be a threat to your career, you can expect that the Medical Board will be stricter towards you since alcohol abuse in doctors isn’t an insignificant thing.
Reporting Your DUI
Once you were arrested or charged for DUI, it would be a smart idea to report the DUI to the Medical Board. Trying to hide this isn’t a good thing, since the Medical Board will find out and if they learn that you tried to hide this fact, the consequences might be worse. You risk having your medical license revoked.
Once you send the report and the Medical Board receives it, an investigation on your DUI will be opened. The investigation will include an interview, which is why it’s important to prepare for it. Be honest when you answer the Medical Board questions and put an effort to show that you are dedicated to fixing the mistakes you made in the past. In most cases, first-time offenders who cooperate with the Medical Board aren’t likely to lose their medical license.
If this is your second offense, the Medical Board will take it more seriously.
Dealing with the Medical Board
There are consequences that you could face after you get a DUI. Keep in mind that if you fail to report the DUI to the Medical Board, you risk losing your medical license. This can lead to ending your medical career for good. In most cases, doctors can still keep their medical license, if they collaborate with the Medical Board and are aware that they made a mistake.
This shouldn’t keep your hopes high, since every case is different, and the Medical Board might decide to take away your license. For severe DUI cases that involve an accident with fatalities, this could be a very probable chance.
Hire a DUI Attorney
Having a DUI lawyer by your side is mandatory, not only for court but for legal advice as well. Your lawyer will help you prepare for the interview and advise you on what to say and what not to say. Also, having an attorney by your side will be an excellent way to get a milder penalty.
They will work hard to prove if there was a mistake in the breathalyzer or blood sample tests. First-time offenders are usually scared and confused, but they (unless drunk driving caused a serious accident) stand a good chance to get a milder punishment.
Still, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not a joke and is illegal for any driver, no matter their profession or career.
If you were recently charged with a DUI in Oregon and are looking for dedicated, hardworking, skilled, and experienced DUI lawyers, our team at Trilogy Law Group is here to help you with your case. We will review it and let you know what you can expect. Every case is different, so we’ll approach it in a manner that will be the best for you.
Call our office and schedule your first consultation today.
