What’s one of the quickest ways to put a damper on your holidays? No, not your in-laws. Worse actually. It’s a DUI.
We want to ensure this serious charge is top-of-mind for all nurses this holiday season. We don’t want to put a damper on your merriness, but we want to make sure you’re thinking ahead about how you will get home after the party. If you’re not staying sober and don’t have a designated driver, we urge you to order a ride home. There are Lyft, Uber, and taxis. Whatever you do, don’t get behind the wheel yourself, or there could be severe consequences to pay.
DUI Charges
A DUI and a DWI are basically the same things. DUI is driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol), and DWI is driving while intoxicated. They are both serious charges. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Hopefully, you don’t find yourself in this situation. Still, if you do, the only way to avoid getting charged and losing your career is to have a good attorney who knows the law well and the Board of Nursing. Because your job is now hanging delicately in the balance. This attorney may be able to have your charge reduced to a Wet and Reckless.
Wet and Reckless
It can take a lot of extra work to get the charge reduced to a wet and reckless, but it’s worth it to save your career. It will be a misdemeanor charge, but to the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), it doesn’t rise to a violation of the Nurse Practices Act, which is why it matters.
Rather than having an accusation filed against your license, like with a DUI, a wet and reckless will result in the BRN filing a citation and fine against you. But you need a good lawyer to help you get there.
Every State Has Its Own Set of Consequences
Every state has its own set of terms and conditions regarding DUIs and the consequences that come with them. And each state’s Board of Nursing (BRN) also has its own implications for nurses charged with a DUI.
Arizona
You must notify the Arizona Board of Nursing within ten days of being charged. You do not get to wait to see if the conviction actually happens. The Board then might have you evaluated for addiction. From there, it’s up to them to decide the disciplinary action. It could be anything from censure to revoking your license.
California
The Department of Justice will automatically notify the BRN of your arrest. You could have your nursing license suspended or revoked with a DUI. Whether you plead guilty or no contest, you have 30 days to notify the Board of your conviction, should it happen.
Texas
The Texas Board of Nursing will investigate and could decide to suspend or revoke your license. It might be under constant supervision if you are allowed to keep working. You will have to report it to the Board if you get convicted.
RN Guardian Can Help
If you find yourself in this situation, for the sake of your career, give us a call. We are the only law firm that acts solely on behalf of nurses. So we understand what’s at stake.
RN Guardian can help reduce your charge to a wet and reckless and help you navigate the Board of nursing in your state. Your career is at risk here; let us help.