How Will a Wyoming DWUI Conviction Affect My Professional License?

A Wyoming DWUI conviction can have severe consequences, including hefty fines, suspension or loss of your driver’s license, and the possibility of jail time.

But many people forget that a DWUI conviction can have detrimental consequences for your professional license and your career.

If you drive for a living, a DWUI conviction can obviously have a disastrous effect on your ability to continue to earn a livelihood.

But even if you work in a job that does not require you to drive for a living, the impact of a DWUI conviction on a professional license can be profound.

If you are a doctor, lawyer, nurse, real estate agent, or insurance broker, a DWUI conviction can lead to professional discipline or probation.

Many professional licensing associations point to “unprofessional conduct” as a justification for imposing professional discipline and limitations on your ability to work.

Of course, different professional organizations have different codes of conduct, but a DWUI conviction could place your professional license at risk.

Doctors Charged With a Wyoming DWUI

Doctors convicted of a felony level DWUI or multiple misdemeanor DWUI convictions can be subject to professional discipline.

The Wyoming Board of Medicine is empowered to revoke, suspend, or restrict a physician’s license for:

• conviction or pleading guilty or nolo contendre to a felony
• use of a drug or intoxicant to such a degree as to render the licensee unable to practice medicine or surgery with reasonable skill and safety to patients;
• unprofessional or dishonorable conduct...including but not limited to...any conduct or practice that is harmful or dangerous to the health of a patient or the public.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 33-26-402(a)

Nurses Facing a Wyoming DWUI

Nurses convicted of a DWUI have been placed on probation that includes terms and conditions that require the nurse to abstain from drug and alcohol use, submit to drug and alcohol testing, and attend AA meetings.

As justification for this action, the Wyoming Board of Nursing relies on section 33-21-146(a) of the Wyoming Nurse Practice Act which states that the board: “may refuse to issue or renew, or may suspend or revoke the license, certificate or temporary permit of any person, or to otherwise discipline a licensee, upon proof that the person: (i) Has engaged in any act inconsistent with uniform and reasonable standards of nursing practice as defined by board rules and regulations; (ii) Has been found guilty by a court, has entered an Alford plea or has entered a plea of nolo contendere to a misdemeanor or felony that relates adversely to the practice of nursing or to the ability to practice nursing; (iv) Is unfit or incompetent to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of physical or mental disability, or use of drugs, narcotics, chemicals or any other mind-altering material; or (v) Has engaged in any unauthorized possession or unauthorized use of a controlled substance as defined in the Wyoming controlled Substances Act.”

DWUI Convictions for Real Estate and Insurance Brokers

Real estate and insurance brokers have been disciplined under the theory that a DWUI conviction reflects poorly on a person’s judgment and character. As a result, brokers can be subjected to professional discipline as a result of a conviction for a Wyoming DWUI.

Lawyers Could Face Professional Discipline for a Wyoming DWUI Conviction

Lawyers might face professional discipline if multiple DWUI convictions indicate a substance abuse problem that could affect the lawyer’s ability to properly do their job.

Just Criminal Law Defends Professionals Facing Wyoming DWUI Charges

If you or someone you care about is facing a Wyoming DWUI charge, it’s important that you hire a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer who has experience defending professionals who have been accused of a Wyoming DWUI.

Licensed professionals charged with a DWUI face the prospect that a Wyoming DWUI conviction could result in the loss of suspension of their professional license which, in turn, can make it difficult to continue to earn a living.

Each professional board has its own unique set of professional standards. You need a criminal defense lawyer who will investigate and understand these standards and the potential impact a criminal conviction could have on your professional license.

Regardless of your profession, you need a criminal defense lawyer who will fight hard to protect your one shot at justice.

Contact the team of criminal defense professionals at Just Criminal Law today to schedule a case review and strategy session. Call us at 307-686-6556, email inquiry@justcriminallaw.com, or complete our online form.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is offered for educational purposes only. This information is not offered as legal advice. A person accused of a crime should always consult with an attorney before making decisions that have legal consequences.