For most people, getting charged with a crime means possible jail time and fines. For others, however, it means a lot more than that. Certain professions require their members to carry a license to practice. For example, a lawyer cannot practice without their law license. A commercial truck driver can’t drive without their CDL.
When these types of people are charged with certain crimes, their livelihood is in jeopardy. It depends on the type of crime and whether or not they’re convicted. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Houston can help you prevent this from happening. If they can get your charges dropped or reduced, you may be able to hold on to your license.
Now, there is no rule that says you have to hire an attorney to represent you. However, with so much on the line, you really shouldn’t try to handle it yourself. You should call an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer right away. They’ll need time to prepare your case. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact them.
What Kind of Crimes Can Jeopardize Your Professional License?
Technically, any criminal conviction can jeopardize your license. It depends on the type of license you have and the type of crime you’re convicted of. Some licenses are in jeopardy even if you’re not convicted of a crime. For example, a teaching certificate could be in jeopardy if you’re merely charged with sexual abuse of a child.
Generally speaking, there are some common types of crimes that can threaten your professional license. Some of these include:
- DUI – If you are a commercial truck driver, you can lose your CDL if you’re convicted of DUI. Even if you plead your case down to reckless driving, your license may be in jeopardy. In addition, simply being charged with the crime can cause your employer to terminate you. They don’t want people working for them that get pulled over and charged with DUI.
- Theft or Embezzlement – If you’re an attorney and are convicted of theft or embezzlement, your license to practice law may be suspended. You could even be disbarred. This is because, in order to be a lawyer, you have to be honest. If you’re convicted of any crime of moral turpitude, you can be disbarred.
- Assault or Battery – If you’re convicted of assault or battery, you could lose your daycare license or teaching license. People shouldn’t have to worry that the person taking care of their children have been convicted of harming people.
- Domestic Violence – Many professional licenses can be suspended if you’re convicted of domestic violence. This is especially true for police officers and teachers.
If you’re charged with any of these crimes, your professional license can be in jeopardy. This means your very livelihood may be threatened. This is why you should contact an experienced defense lawyer as soon as you’re arrested. Your Houston defense attorney needs as much time as possible to prepare your case.
How Can a Defense Lawyer in Houston Help?
If you’re charged with any crime, you should contact a defense lawyer in Houston. They can negotiate with the prosecutor to get your charges dismissed or reduced. They can also ask that the criminal charges be modified so that your professional license isn’t in jeopardy.
If your attorney can negotiate probation instead of a conviction, it may save your license from being suspended. Some pre-trial intervention programs will offer you probation without entering a conviction on your criminal record. If this is the case, your license may stay intact.
Contact a Skilled Defense Lawyer in Houston, Texas
If you’ve been charged with any crime, you need to contact a defense lawyer in Houston. They can review your case and let you know what penalties you may be facing. They can also deal with the licensing board on your behalf.
When you’re charged with a crime, your licensing board is typically notified. They will want an update on the progress of your case. Your license may even be suspended pending the outcome of your trial. This is why it’s so important that you have a lawyer. They may be able to prevent you from having to go to trial. If they can get the charges reduced, you won’t have to worry about losing your professional license. They may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain that keeps your professional license safe.
Call Eddington & Worley today and schedule your initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Houston, Texas.