Rockville DUI/DWI Defense Attorneys for Licensed Professionals

Lawyers Helping Doctors, Nurses, Attorneys, Teachers, and Other Professionals Address Drunk Driving Charges in Rockville, MD

For people who hold professional licenses, a DUI or DWI charge can not only lead to legal penalties, but it can also jeopardize their career and professional reputation. Many professional licensing boards have strict standards of conduct, and an arrest for drunk driving may trigger disciplinary investigations or actions. A conviction could lead to the suspension or revocation of a professional license, potentially ending a person's career. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we understand the high stakes involved in these cases, and we provide skilled legal representation to help professionals defend against DUI/DWI charges while working to protect their futures.

Professionals at Risk of Disciplinary Action for DUI/DWI

A DUI or DWI charge can have significant repercussions for professionals who are subject to licensing or certification requirements. Some of the professionals who may face disciplinary action include:

• Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers may be investigated by boards such as the Maryland Board of Physicians or the Maryland Board of Nursing.
• Lawyers: Attorneys may face disciplinary proceedings from the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission.
• Teachers and Educators: Teachers may risk suspension or revocation of their certifications by the Maryland State Department of Education.
• Real Estate Agents: A DUI/DWI conviction could affect licensure with the Maryland Real Estate Commission.
• Accountants: Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) could face scrutiny from the Maryland Board of Public Accountancy.
• Commercial Drivers: CDL holders may face the disqualification of their licenses, and a conviction for DUI or DWI may prevent them from being hired in the future.
• Pilots: Aviation professionals may face disciplinary actions from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Government Employees: People who work for federal or state agencies may face employment consequences following a DUI/DWI arrest or conviction.

Consequences of DUI/DWI for Licensed Professionals

An arrest for intoxicated driving or a conviction for DUI or DWI can affect a licensed professional in many ways. Potential ramifications include:

• License Suspension or Revocation: Licensing boards may suspend or revoke a professional license, limiting their ability to work in their chosen field.
• Professional Disciplinary Actions: Boards may impose fines, probation, or mandatory treatment programs as part of disciplinary proceedings.
• Damage to Reputation: A conviction can harm a professional's reputation, leading to a loss of clients, referrals, or contracts.
• Employment Consequences: Employers may terminate or refuse to hire professionals with a DUI/DWI on their record.
• Impact on Background Checks: A conviction on a person's record may affect their future opportunities.

Potential Defenses Against a DUI/DWI Conviction

To defend against DUI/DWI charges, it is important to work with an attorney who understands the best strategies that may be used. With our experience representing clients who have been arrested for intoxicated driving, we can determine the ideal steps to take to avoid a conviction. We may be able to use defenses such as:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: We will look at whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle. If not, evidence obtained during the stop may be excluded during your case.
• Evaluating Field Sobriety Tests: While officers will often ask drivers to take physical tests at the side of the road to determine whether they are intoxicated, these tests are subjective, and their results are often unreliable. We will work to challenge the validity of these tests as evidence of impairment.
• Scrutinizing BAC Tests: Breathalyzer or blood tests performed after an arrest for drunk driving must meet strict standards. We can investigate potential errors in the administration, calibration, or interpretation of test results.
• Negotiating With Prosecutors: We will work to reduce or dismiss charges when possible, minimizing the impact of the case on your record. However, we will not encourage you to plead guilty if doing so will not be in your best interests. If prosecutors refuse to treat you fairly, we will be ready to take your case to trial and fight to have you acquitted.

Our Approach to DUI/DWI Defense

While you may be used to working in professional settings, you may still be intimidated by the idea of appearing in court. We work to reduce stress and ease your concerns by making sure you will be fully prepared for this situation. We will help you understand what questions a judge will probably ask you, including any trick questions that could be used to try to get you to admit guilt. By providing you with an understanding of what to expect and coaching you on how to respond to questions, we can help you make sure you will be ready for whatever may happen. With our attorneys standing by your side, you can rest assured that you will be able to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact Our Rockville, MD Licensed Professional DUI/DWI Lawyers

If you are a licensed professional who has been arrested for DUI or DWI, do not wait to seek legal help. The Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help you build a strong defense against a conviction while working to protect your career and your reputation. Contact us at 301-762-7500 to schedule a free consultation and get help to safeguard your professional future. We serve clients in Washington, D.C. and most counties in Maryland.