Probably more people than you might think have a DUI charge in their past. But, how does a DUI charge affect you? As a licensed nurse you might have some concern about the DUI putting your job at risk. In short, a DUI might put your nursing license at risk.
You have options and can fight a DUI. There are many situations where your DUI charge may affect your nursing license. Call a nursing license defense attorney for help in fighting these battles.
Nursing License and DUI Charges in NC
If you are driving and have a Blood Alcohol Content, or BAC of .08% in NC, you are breaking the law. Alcohol is a not an illegal substance. But, people who are old enough to drink must do so responsibly. North Carolina is very hard on people who face DUI charges. But, alcohol isn’t the only way to get a DUI charge in Charlotte, NC.
If you have any amount of a serious drug, or Schedule I controlled substance in your blood, you will likely receive a DUI. But, not all DUI charges in North Carolina get the same treatment.
A first offense DUI has very serious consequences. A DUI charge and the results will rely on:
- Age
- Prior DUIs
- License type
These aspects will help a judge determine if you are looking at consequences like community service, or jail time. But, when it comes to license suspension, the overarching rule is very broad. The North Carolina Board of Nursing, or NCBN, can suspend or revoke a license for many reasons. Suspension or revocation of a nursing license can come from the NCBN for:
- Any disciplinary purpose if the board deems it fit.
- A conviction or guilty plea to any crime that shows a nurse is unfit.
- A conviction or guilty plea to a crime that shows the nurse defrauded the public.
- A nurse takes action that could endanger public health.
These are the primary aspects that the NCBN will think about when suspending a license. A DUI may affect your nursing license. But in NC a lot of the decision does not go to a judge, jury or cop. The North Carolina Board of Nursing will have the final say. A DUI lawyer can help you build your case.
What is a Felony DUI?
A felony DUI is what will usually catch the attention of the NCBN. A felony DUI or DWI can include people who have past DUIs. Felony DUI may be a DUI charge that is made more serious because someone got hurt in the situation.
The NCBN lists 2 possible aspects common in felony DUI cases for license suspension or revocation. If the nurse endangers the general public health, they may face issues with their license. Or, if the nurse has a conviction, or pleads guilty for any crime that shows a nurse is unfit.
Often felony DUIs will include claims that may lead the board to think that the nurse is unfit. Or, a pattern of DUI charges may lead the board to suspend a license as a punishment.
North Carolina Board of Licensing
The North Carolina Board of Licensing has many different divisions. The sector for nursing, within the North Carolina Board of Licensing, is the North Carolina Board of Nursing. This board is also known as the NC Board of Nursing or the NCBN.
The NCBN is a medical licensing board. They make tests available for a nursing student to earn licensure in NC. But, they offer many other services as well. An employer or a person from the public can file a complaint on a nurse.
The NCBN is a valuable resource for nurses all throughout Charlotte, NC. If you are a nurse, you probably know that the NCBN is a great tool. But, with a DUI charge, you might not know what to expect from them. You have options. If you feel that your job is at risk, seek legal help.
DUI Lawyers in Charlotte, NC
A Charlotte DUI lawyer can help you know what your options are and how to prepare to face the NCBN. In Charlotte, NC you can get legal help to try and fix this issue. Don’t let one mistake or a bad decision take away your job and career.
When fighting a DUI charge a professional license defense lawyer in NC will help guide you through the process. You are not alone. You are also not the first nurse to face a DUI charge in NC. Contact the Remington and Dixon Law Offices by phone or online for help now.
