If you’re ever been arrested for DWI, you know how scary it can be. When the red and blue lights pull up behind you, everything changes. If you’ve had a few drinks, you probably pop a breath mint in your mouth and spray some kind of perfume or air freshener. The cops know you do this. They see it all the time. If you do get arrested for DWI, call a criminal lawyer in Houston right away.
Once they pull your car over, they’re going to check to see if you’ve been drinking and driving. The reason the cops do this is to protect you and other drivers on the road. When you make the decision to get behind the wheel, you put your own life and the lives of others at risk. They have to prevent this from happening. Yes, the law will punish you for DWI. But their main concern is protecting the public.
It’s this same concern for public safety that makes professional licensing organizations punish people for being found guilty of DWI. For example, if you’re a lawyer, you can be suspended or disbarred for getting a DWI. The same is true for doctors, teachers and dentists. These licensing boards don’t want someone who would drink and drive operate on a patient or try a court case. They question your character and worry that you’re unfit to practice.
Clearly, this kind of consequence will affect your life forever. That’s why it’s so important that you hire a criminal defense lawyer in Houston to handle your DWI case. There’s a lot more at stake than just a few months in jail and a license suspension.
How Do You Know if Your Professional License is at Stake?
Your Houston criminal defense lawyer can review your case and let you know if you’re facing a suspension of your professional license. It really depends on the type of job you do. It also depends on what kind of crime you’ve been charged with.
There are certain professions that are more likely to be strict when it comes to criminal behavior. The general rule is that, if you have to take an exam to become certified, chances are, your license could be in jeopardy.
Some of the professional licenses that may be in jeopardy should you be arrested or convicted of a crime in Houston include:
• Teachers
• Nurses
• Doctors and Dentists
• Lawyers
• Real Estate Brokers
• Bankers
• Childcare Workers
• Drivers
If you work as any of these, you have to very careful if you’re charged with a crime. You need to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Houston right away.
How is it Fair for a DWI or Other Crime to Affect My Professional License?
Some people think that only certain crimes can affect your professional license. For example, when we see a teacher on the news being arrested for child pornography, we expect their professional license to be impacted.
The same is true for doctors and dentists who are accused of DWI. Nobody wants someone operating on them if there’s a chance that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol.
But it really doesn’t matter what kind of crime you commit. If you hold a professional license, just about any kind of misdemeanor or felony can affect your livelihood. For example, some of the following crimes can cause your license to be suspended or revoked:
• DWI
• Child Abuse
• Any sexual assault
• Theft, bribery or embezzlement
• Drug possession
• Felony drug offenses
• Assault or battery
The reason these crimes can affect your professional license is pretty obvious. If you do a job that involves someone health, safety or finances, you need to be trustworthy. You also need to show that you can control yourself. All of these crimes give the impression that maybe you aren’t fit to do your job.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Lawyer in Houston, Texas Right Away
If you’ve been charged with any serious crime, you need to call an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer right away. Your first hearing will be held within a day or two of being arrested. You can’t afford to handle this on your own.
You need to rely on someone who has handled serious cases before. If you’re charged with DWI, you are going to be facing possible time in prison. It will take a skilled defense attorney to win your case or negotiate a lesser sentence. Call our office and schedule your initial consultation today before you lose any more time.