You may not be able to work as a psychologist if you have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in California. The California Board of Psychology (BOP) requires psychologists to remain in good standing. If a psychologist is convicted of a DUI, the BOP will consider the circumstances of the incident and may decide to revoke this individual’s license.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can provide insights into what can happen if you are a psychologist who has been charged with driving under the influence. Your attorney can explain if you can be a psychologist with a DUI. They can search for ways to contest your charge in the hopes of having it reduced or eliminated.
Can You be a Psychologist with a DUI in California?
You could serve as a psychologist with a DUI in California. However, the BOP could deny your request for a license based on your conviction. If you already have a license and have been charged with driving under the influence, the board could put you on probation or suspend or revoke your license.
If you think the BOP will not find out about a driving under the influence conviction, think again. You must disclose a DUI conviction when you submit a license application to the board. Also, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) will automatically notify the BOP about your DUI arrest.
In addition to the impact a driving under the influence conviction can have on your career as a psychologist, you could face fines, incarceration, and other penalties. A Los Angeles DUI attorney can explain what California DUI penalties to expect after a conviction. They could help you avoid harsh penalties.
What Information does a Psychologist have to Provide to the California Board of Psychology About their DUI Conviction?
If you submit a license application, the board will consider the severity of your crime, how much time has passed since it happened, and other factors. Board members give each application their undivided attention. These members will assess the immediate and long-term implications of any choice they make as they decide whether to approve or reject your submission.
Complying with the rules of informal probation in California and others relating to your conviction can be beneficial. This helps show the BOP that you are taking your conviction seriously and doing what is required to move past it. It could boost your chances of keeping your license or having your request for one approved.
When in doubt about how to deal with a DUI arrest, seek legal help. A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can explain the ramifications of a driving under the influence arrest. They can dispute your charge to the point where you could have it removed from your criminal record.
Can You be a Psychologist if You have a DUI Conviction Expunged from Your Criminal Record?
An expungement can help minimize the risk that your request for a license will be accepted. In the same way, it can reduce your chances of having the BOP severely punish you for a driving under the influence conviction. Regardless, the board will consider your conviction carefully before it decides whether to grant you the privilege to practice as a psychologist in California.
If you want to pursue expungement, it would be helpful to have an experienced DUI attorney in Los Angeles on your side. Your lawyer can provide insights into how much it costs to expunge a DUI. They can determine if this is a viable option in your case.
Once you are charged with driving under the influence, it helps to consult with a lawyer right away. Your lawyer can examine the facts of your arrest. They could build a compelling argument that helps you prove to a court that you should not be convicted of driving under the influence.
How Can You Contest a DUI Charge that Could Keep You from Being a Psychologist?
Your lawyer will consider many DUI strategies. As part of their efforts, they will provide legal resources to help you make informed decisions. Your attorney could suggest one or more of the following strategies for your case:
- Attacking the results of a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test
- Arguing that you were not driving a car at the time you were arrested
- Showing that the police never provided you with your Miranda rights before questioning
- Highlighting how the police never had probable cause to arrest you in the first place
Remember, the BOP holds license applicants who have been convicted of a crime or formally disciplined and others to a high standard. Fortunately, your lawyer can craft a legal strategy tailored to your case. If your attorney develops a successful strategy, they could make it clear to the court that the charge against you should be dropped.
Work with a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Who will Protect Your Legal Rights
You cannot change the fact that the police arrested you for driving under the influence. At this time, you maintain legal options. If you partner with a DUI lawyer, you can dispute your charge before it impacts your career as a psychologist.
Let a Los Angeles DUI lawyer with decades of legal experience assist you with your case. Your attorney can argue against the prosecution on your behalf and help you achieve your desired case outcome. Contact a DUI attorney.
