As a nurse, a DUI charge could cause a significant interruption to your life. For instance, you could spend time in a New York jail or prison if convicted of the charge, and you could also lose your job if charged or convicted of DUI.
Potential professional consequences
The state nursing authorities will likely be notified about your case through either your employer or law enforcement. At that time, the board may decide to suspend or revoke your ability to work as a nurse. Even if this doesn’t happen, your employer may decide to terminate its relationship with you.
It’s important to note that you have an obligation to report your DUI charge as soon as possible to the state board in the event that other parties fail to do so. Failing to do so could result in an unfavorable ruling in your matter even if you are cleared of the DUI charge itself.
Potential personal consequences
A DUI conviction could result in the loss of driving privileges for several months. You may also spend an extended period of time behind bars if there are aggravating factors in your case. Aggravating factors include an extremely high blood alcohol level or causing property damage or bodily injury.
Finally, you may also be fined, which could cause a period of financial hardship. As a result, you may have to sell your house or otherwise move further away from your job. A lack of funds may make it difficult or impossible to pay the fees associated with getting your license back or making repairs to your vehicle after it is returned to you.
If you are charged with DUI, you have the right to challenge the government’s assertion at trial. Casting doubt on the reason for a traffic stop or the veracity of tests conducted during the stop might weaken the case against you.