Life can seem very unfair sometimes. For instance, no matter how dedicated you are to your education and your career, everyone lets down their guard on occasion and that can cost you. If you have done everything right – up until the time you went out and celebrated a little too much – and are ready to apply for your medical license, you may be wondering if your career might end before it begins.
Applying for a Medical License with a DUI
If you are a medical student getting ready to apply for your license and take your boards, and you have a DUI conviction in your past, there is a good chance your initial application will be flagged or denied. If it is denied, you will have to appeal that denial to get your license. You will likely be given the go-ahead to take your boards, but you will not receive the results until the appeal is concluded. Additionally, if issued, the license may be given on a probationary basis.
When Did the DUI Occur?
A lot of this depends on how long ago the DUI conviction occurred. If the DUI was expunged, or it happened a long time ago and you have completed all of your probation requirements, including any counseling that was ordered, and you paid all of your fines, your chances of initial approval are better – but not guaranteed. Letters of recommendation from your professors and performance evaluations from current employers will also help.
How Professional License Application Attorneys in Chicago can Help
Medical license applicants with DUIs regularly receive denials, and often fail on appeal as well, primarily because licensing boards want to see some very specific things from an applicant with a past DUI conviction. The initial letter of explanation is critical, and the appeal is even more important. It is vital to have the assistance of professional license application attorneys in Chicago when you are preparing the application and/or the appeal. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you avoid extra probation requirements which are both time consuming and costly.
Your Career Does Not Have to End
A DWI or DUI conviction is a serious event that often has collateral consequences. If it’s not handled properly, and in a timely manner, it has the potential to threaten your license, your career, and your reputation. It’s always best to contact a professional licensing attorney before reporting a DUI or DWI to your licensing board. Your lawyer will know how to report the offense in the way that puts you in the best possible position before the board. If you have already reported your conviction, contact a professional license application attorney in Chicago as soon as possible.
It’s important to keep in mind, when you decide to hire an attorney, it can be more expensive to reverse an action by the licensing board than it is to prevent it in the first place. If you are applying for your medical license, and you have a DUI conviction on your record, call us for a free consultation today.
