Getting charged with a DUI or DWI in New Jersey can be stressful enough, but when your career depends on holding a professional license, the stakes are even higher. Doctors, nurses, teachers, and other licensed professionals often discover that one criminal charge can jeopardize years of education, training, and hard work.
If you hold a professional license and are facing DUI or DWI charges, it’s critical to understand the potential consequences and what steps you can take to protect both your career and your future. At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, our criminal defense lawyers have helped countless New Jersey professionals defend their rights, minimize penalties, and preserve their ability to continue working.
Understanding DUI and DWI Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) refer to the same offense. The law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Even a first-time offense can result in:
- License suspension for several months
- Fines and court fees
- Mandatory ignition interlock device installation
- Increased insurance premiums
- Possible jail time
While these penalties are serious, licensed professionals face additional consequences that go beyond the courtroom.
How a DUI or DWI Can Impact Your Professional License
Many licensing boards in New Jersey have strict codes of conduct and moral character requirements. A DUI or DWI conviction can trigger disciplinary action, including license suspension, probation, or even revocation.
1. Medical and Nursing Licenses
For healthcare professionals, a DUI can raise questions about judgment and fitness to practice.
The New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners and the New Jersey Board of Nursing both require licensed practitioners to self-report any criminal convictions. Failure to report can lead to harsher disciplinary actions.
Repeated or aggravated offenses may result in mandatory monitoring, rehabilitation programs, or permanent loss of licensure.
2. Teachers and School Employees
Educators are held to a high moral and ethical standard. A DUI arrest can trigger an investigation by the New Jersey Department of Education’s Investigative Unit (IU). Even without a conviction, school districts can place teachers on administrative leave.
A conviction can result in suspension or revocation of teaching credentials, especially if the offense occurred during a school event or involved minors.
3. Commercial Drivers and Transportation Workers
For those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a DUI can be career-ending. A first offense results in a minimum one-year CDL suspension. A second offense can lead to permanent disqualification.
Even if the DUI occurred in a personal vehicle, CDL holders face stricter penalties.
Similar Post: The Impact of DWI/DUI on Commercial Driver’s Licenses in New Jersey
Reporting Requirements for Licensed Professionals
Many professionals assume that if they stay quiet, their licensing board will never find out about a DUI or DWI. In New Jersey, a DUI/DWI does not appear on a criminal record because it’s classified as a traffic offense, not a crime. However, it does appear on your driving record, and some employers or agencies may review that information during background checks or renewals.
Most boards, such as those governing doctors, nurses, and other licensed professionals, do not routinely check driving records unless a DUI or DWI conviction is disclosed on an application or renewal form. Still, honesty matters. If a form asks about arrests, convictions, or license suspensions, failing to answer truthfully could lead to disciplinary action for dishonesty, which is often more damaging than the DUI itself.
Before communicating with your board or submitting paperwork, consult with an experienced defense attorney. The team at Attorneys Hartman, Chartered can guide you through the reporting process and help you minimize the impact a DUI or DWI may have on your professional standing.
What to Do After a DUI or DWI Arrest
If you’ve been arrested for DUI or DWI and hold a professional license, acting quickly can make a huge difference.
1. Contact an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Immediately
Do not try to handle your case on your own. Every statement, court appearance, or administrative action can affect your legal standing and your career. The sooner you contact Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, the sooner we can protect your rights and develop a strategy tailored to your situation.
2. Do Not Plead Guilty Without Legal Advice
A guilty plea may seem like the fastest way to move on, but it can have lasting consequences for your professional license. An attorney can review the evidence, challenge the validity of the traffic stop or breath test, and pursue alternatives that reduce or dismiss charges.
3. Prepare for Licensing Board Communication
Your lawyer can help you determine how and when to report the incident. Sometimes, it’s possible to resolve the case favorably before your licensing board takes any action.
4. Follow All Court and Probation Orders
Complying with all legal requirements demonstrates accountability and responsibility. Boards often consider this when deciding whether to take disciplinary action.
Potential Defense Strategies
No two DUI or DWI cases are alike, but there are several common defense strategies that can be used to fight the charges. These include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop or arrest
- Questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results
- Arguing that symptoms of intoxication were due to medical conditions or fatigue
- Showing that procedural errors violated your rights
At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, our DUI defense lawyers analyze every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. Our goal is to protect not only your record but also your livelihood.
Can a DUI or DWI Be Expunged in New Jersey?
Unfortunately, DUI and DWI convictions cannot be expunged under New Jersey law because they are considered traffic offenses rather than criminal convictions. However, this does not mean that your career is over.
An experienced attorney can help you explore ways to reduce the long-term effects of the charge, including petitioning for reinstatement of your license or negotiating with your board for conditional reinstatement.
Protect Your Career and Your Future
A DUI or DWI doesn’t have to end your professional career, but taking swift action is essential. Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or business professional, your reputation and livelihood are worth fighting for.
At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, we understand the devastating impact these charges can have. Our New Jersey defense lawyers combine aggressive legal representation with compassionate guidance to help clients protect what matters most: their future.
Call Attorneys Hartman, Chartered Today
If you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWI in New Jersey, don’t risk your career by waiting to act. The sooner you involve an experienced defense lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your professional license.
Contact Attorneys Hartman, Chartered today for a free and confidential consultation. We serve clients throughout New Jersey, including Burlington County, Camden County, and surrounding areas. Let us fight for your rights, your license, and your livelihood.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.