DUI and Licensed Professionals in Florida
Many people view an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) as an embarrassing experience that can hopefully be resolved quickly without many people noticing. While not all industries require individuals to disclose information about their past or present criminal charges, many people with professional licenses are required to report any criminal conviction and nolo contendere (no contest) pleas to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
An individual with a professional license may not only need to appear in court multiple times to deal with the DUI offense, but he or she may also be subject to disciplinary by his or her respective professional agency.
A licensed professional facing DUI charges should seriously consider retaining legal counsel to understand of all implications relating to any proposed plea bargain, as a seemingly favorable resolution to a criminal case could still have negative consequences on a professional licensing matter.
Attorney for Professional Licenses Defense in Melbourne, FL DUI Arrests
Are you a licensed professional who was recently arrested for drunk or drugged driving in Central or Eastern Florida? You will want to immediately contact Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy for help protecting your future.
Melbourne criminal defense lawyer Bryan McCarthy defend clients accused of DUI in Palm Bay, Rockledge, Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, Titusville, Viera, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach, West Melbourne, and many surrounding areas of Brevard County.
You can have our attorney review your case and answer all of your legal questions as soon as you call (321) 248-7742 to set up a free initial consultation.
Overview of DUI Consequences for Professional Licenses in Brevard County
- What types of professional licenses does the State of Florida regulate?
- What happens to people with professional licenses when they are arrested for DUI?
- Where can I find more information about professional licenses (DUI) in Brevard County?
Types of Licensed Professionals in Florida
Different licensing agencies in Florida have different requirements. For example, the Florida Department of Education requires teachers, principals, counselors, and all other certified public school positions to report criminal convictions, findings of guilt, withholdings of adjudication, or guilty or nolo contendere pleas within 48 hours, and teachers may be dismissed, suspended, or have certificates revoked or suspended for any criminal conviction other than minor traffic violations.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) regulates over 50 types of health practitioners, including doctors, dentists, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), pharmacists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, pharmacists, psychologists, and many others. Medical doctors (MDs) in Florida are licensed through the Florida Board of Medicine while any Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed The Florida Board of Nursing licenses practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) Florida Board of Nursing.
The Florida Board of Accountancy (BOA) handles licensing of certified public accountants (CPAs), while some of the other commonly regulated professions in Florida include, but are not limited to:
- Architects —Board of Architecture and Interior Design;
- Building Code Administrators and Inspectors — Florida DBPR;
- Contractors — Construction Industry Licensing Board;
- Cosmetologists — Board of Cosmetology;
- Counselors — Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling;
- Engineers — Florida Board of Professional Engineers;
- Firefighters — Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training;
- Interior Designers — Board of Architecture and Interior Design;
- Lawyers — Florida Bar;
- Nursing Home Administrators — Florida Board of Nursing Home Administrators;
- Pilots — Board of Pilot Commissioners;
- Police Officers — Florida Department of Law Enforcement;
- Real Estate Agents — Florida Real Estate Commission; and
- Social Workers, Therapists, and Counselors — Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
Consequences of Convictions for Licensed Professionals in Brevard County
In most cases, a DUI conviction will be punishable by a fine, a period of driver’s license revocation, and a jail sentence—although many first-time offenders typically receive probation instead. Additional punishments may include community service, mandatory DUI school attendance, and possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on all vehicles owned or operated by the alleged offender.
Internal disciplinary measures for DUI offenses can vary depending on the type of license involved. Some licenses require holders to self-report convictions while others do not.
A conviction may result in a professional license being automatically suspended, or it could result in an administrative complaint. Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy can work to help you achieve the most favorable outcomes to your criminal case as well as any related administrative law judge (ALJ) hearings or board hearings.
Professional License DUI Resources in Florida
Professional Licensing | Florida Department of State —Use this website to find a listing of links to licensing agencies for various professions. You can find information about applying for licenses on each individual agency page. The Licensing and Regulation section of the Florida Department of Health website also has a listing of links to additional regulated professions.
Florida DBPR — The DBPR licenses and regulates businesses and professionals in the State of Florida. Visit this website to renew, verify, or apply for various licenses. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions, file a complaint, and read recent news.
Find a Professional Licenses DUI Defense Lawyer in Melbourne, FL
If you are a licensed professional who was arrested for drunk driving in Eastern or Central Florida, it is in your best interest to quickly seek legal representation. Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy represents individuals in communities throughout Osceola County, Indian River County, Brevard County, Volusia County, Seminole County, and Orange County.
Bryan McCarthy is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Melbourne who will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable resolution to your case that results in the fewest possible career consequences.
Call (321) 248-7742 or submit an online contact form to have our lawyer provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.