Optometry Licensure and DUIs

[EyeSCCO]

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I'm fighting a DUI charge out in my home state but it all points to me being convicted. Will a DUI on my record make it impossible for me to get licensed once I graduate? This is really worrying me!!!

 

[362.04]

Was this a felony? Most boards will evaluate the type of behavior to see if it is a question of "moral turpitude". So even minor convictions which involve any moral character may cause you problem. I think all felonies will make it very hard.

 

[Clovers]

If it's a felony then it's impossible for you to practice once you graduate b/c on your record there exist the word "ex-convict." If it's a misdemeanor, then you have to pay the necessary consequences but none as dire as a felony charge. Also, misdemeanor charges won't be on your record. If you were charge with a felony I recommended you hire an attorney to see if your charges can be lower to misdemeanor. I am not a professional. This is just what have learned in my law class and my professor is a Harvard law graduate. Good luck!

Was this a felony? Most boards will evaluate the type of behavior to see if it is a question of "moral turpitude". So even minor convictions which involve any moral character may cause you problem. I think all felonies will make it very hard.

 

[EyeSCCO]

It is a misdemeanor. I'm just worried since you have to disclose such info on the application.

 

[KHE]

It is a misdemeanor. I'm just worried since you have to disclose such info on the application.

You will have much more trouble if you do NOT put it down and they find out.

Often times in these cases, state boards will issue you a probationary license for a number of years which basically means you are just subject to more frequent review and if you so much as burp the wrong way, they will revoke your license. At least that is how it has been handled in the states which I have practiced in.

Your best bet is to talk to an attorney in the state you are interested in practicing in because none of us on here are lawyers. (Maybe one guy is)

 

[SearchSquad]

First of all...stop drinking and driving!!! Why hasn't anyone said that yet? You are in a profession to help others, care for their physical health, and improve their quality of life. Why would you put lives in danger by getting into a car after drinking? I know a lot of people do this, my own friends even, but come on!!! Okay, that was part one.

Part Two: I hope you have a good lawyer. They can try to find ways to have as little on your record as possible. Also, I think a DUI stays on your record for seven years, not forever...I think.

I hope you work things out, professionally and personally.

 

[eyestrain]

First of all...stop drinking and driving!!! Why hasn't anyone said that yet?

I wanted to, but figured I'd stay quiet to avoid starting message board warfare. That's what tends to happen on internet forums. But I agree, drinking and driving is bad.

 

[Opii]

I'm fighting a DUI charge out in my home state but it all points to me being convicted. Will a DUI on my record make it impossible for me to get licensed once I graduate? This is really worrying me!!!

If your state is California, they are tough on police records. Try Washington state, they seem to be more relaxed about it. After seven years go back to California.

 

[Ryan_eyeball]

I wanted to, but figured I'd stay quiet to avoid starting message board warfare. That's what tends to happen on internet forums. But I agree, drinking and driving is bad.

I don't agree with drinking/driving, but I would be honest about it and list it on any state credentialing application. All your insurance applications are also going to ask about any type of criminal record, drug use, illegal activities.

Tough situation

 

[cpw]

Definitely disclose it. If you try to cover it up and it comes up in a background check then you probably will get denied.

As everyone else recommended, we are NOT lawyers nor are we experts on different state laws. Contact each state you're considering moving to and ask them what their policy is. But, definitely list it on your application if you are convicted and it shows up on your record.