Nurse Charged with DUI

What happens after a nurse is charged with DUI? Although a DUI arrest is serious for anyone, nurses have special concerns after an arrest. For nurses and other health care professionals, what happens outside the courtroom is almost as important as what happens inside the courtroom.

A nurse charged with DUI has several issues to resolve:

  • the on-the-spot administrative suspension of the driver’s license pending at the DHSMV,
  • the criminal charge pending in court; and
  • any disciplinary action that might be taken against the nursing license by the board of nursing.

After a DUI arrest, your first priority is to hire the best DUI defense attorney to represent you in court and before the DHSMV Bureau of Administrative Review. The most important factor for your nursing license and career is obtaining the best possible result.

At Sammis Law Firm, our attorneys are focused on DUI defense. As a result, we are experienced in representing many nurses and health care professionals over the years. We understand the reporting requirements and licensure issues that arise when a nurse is arrested for driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances even if the DUI is reduced to a wet reckless.

For nurses, the goal in the case is often fighting for an outright dismissal. If your case is not dismissed on the merits, then under Florida Statute Section 456.072(1)(x), the nurse must report any plea to any crime charged, including a plea to either DUI or reckless driving, within thirty (30) days of the plea or conviction to the Florida Board of Nursing.

The nurse must report the plea even if the court “withholds adjudication” or if the case is reduced to a less serious offense such as reckless driving. The plea must be reported even if you are eligible to petition the court to “seal” the criminal history record.

Because DUI is an offense that involves an allegation of drug or alcohol abuse, a nurse may be required to submit to evaluation and enrollment in the Impaired Nurses Program (IPN) which typically requires a five-year contract. In the most extreme cases, you might be subjected to an emergency suspension order (ESO) until the licensure case is complete.

The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm are also familiar with the requirements of the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN). We can help you determine the best ways to avoid time-consuming and expensive requirements that might occur if you do not avoid a DUI conviction.

Our attorneys can also help you decide when it might be in your best interest to self-report the arrest to IPN and start counseling immediately so that the overall sanctions are less severe.

Attorneys for Nurses Arrested for DUI in Tampa, FL

If you were arrested for DUI in Tampa, FL, then contact Leslie Sammis, an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm. Our attorneys understand the special concerns that a nurse, physician, or other health care professional has after an arrest for DUI involving alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.

Contact us to find out why you should demand a formal review hearing within ten (10) days of the arrest. We can help you obtain a 42-day permit while we challenge the administrative suspension of your driver’s license.

We can help you decide whether you should self-report the arrest to your employer or the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN).

When we represent a Registered Nurse (RN), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP), or a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who is charged with DUI. Our goal is to fight for an outright dismissal in court and to invalidate the administrative suspension at the DHSMV hearing.

After a first DUI arrest, you might be eligible for a DUI diversion program called RIDR. Entering the RIDR DUI conversion program might not be in your best interest if you have a nursing license, even if the charge is reduced to a dry or wet reckless. Contact us to find out more about the pros and cons of any approach.

Although a first DUI is not necessarily career-ending, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you fight the case at every stage for the best result.

Call 813-250-0500 today.


Reporting the DUI Plea or Conviction to the Florida Board of Nursing

Under Section 456.072(1)(x), disciplinary action may be taken against a nursing license when the nurse:

(1)(x) fails to report to the board, or the department if there is no board, in writing within 30 days after the licensee has been convicted or found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction.

Convictions, findings, adjudications, and pleas entered into prior to the enactment of this paragraph must be reported in writing to the board, or department if there is no board, on or before October 1, 1999.

An attorney can help you decide whether you should accept the first offer of disciplinary action (if it does not involve a suspension or revocation of your license), or whether your attorney should negotiate with the Board of Nursing for a better resolution.


Investigations by the Board of Nursing after a DUI Arrest

In Florida, the Board of Nursing (BON) is responsible for monitoring nurses with substance abuse or alcohol addiction issues. After a complaint is received, the Board of Nursing handles any disciplinary action against the nurse. Even for people initially applying for a nursing license, a background check will be conducted.

Any criminal charge can lead to a Board Review before the nursing license will be approved.

If you are convicted of a crime or enter a plea in the courtroom, then a nurse must report the plea or conviction to the Florida Board of Nursing. Depending on the circumstances, it might be better to self-report the incident in advance, especially when you need to seek out substance abuse counseling early in the case.

If a plea or conviction is likely, completing substance abuse counseling early in the case often leads to the best result. We can help you understand the pros and cons of being proactive when completing sanctions in advance. The action you take might depend on whether you are being convicted of DUI, resolving the case for a reduced charge or wet reckless, or expect the charges to be dismissed on the merits.

It is particularly important to be proactive if your nursing license records show any prior emergency actions, discipline cases, or public complaints.

A first DUI conviction is not likely to lead to the revocation or suspension of your nursing license (if you report it correctly), but a second or third offense might lead to more serious consequences with the Board of Nursing.


Does a DUI Disqualify Me From Being a Nurse in Florida?

If you apply to be a nurse in Florida, you will be asked whether you have ever been convicted or entered a plea of guilty or no contest to any crime including driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. If you fail to disclose the DUI, then your application can be denied.

What if you properly report the plea or conviction? Will your application be denied automatically because of a DUI conviction? The Board of Nursing reviews criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis. The board will take into consideration the charge, the penalties imposed, any counseling the nurse completed, and any other evidence of rehabilitation.

After a plea or conviction or when reporting the incident to the board of nursing, you might be required to submit the following documents:

  • the criminal report affidavit;
  • the DUI uniform traffic citation (UTC);
  • police reports;
  • the breath test affidavit;
  • any affidavit of refusal to submit to testing;
  • any record of the final disposition including the judgment and sentence;
  • proof that you completed probation;
  • a letter in your explaining the circumstances of your DUI; and
  • letters of recommendation from co-workers or employers.

We have found it is best to submit all of the required documentation as early as possible so that the board can see that you have disclosed everything.


Additional Resources

Grounds for Discipline in Section 456.072(1) – Visit the website of the Florida Senate to find the regulations for health professionals and nurses regarding the grounds for discipline. Find the penalties that might occur after a disciplinary action for “being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which relates to the practice of, or the ability to practice, a licensee’s profession.” The statute also explains the consequences of failing to report required information to the department.

Disciplinary Actions in the Nurse Practice Action in Section 464.018 – Visit the statute to find the rules and regulations for nurses facing disciplinary action. Find out why a nursing license can be revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted against, including the grounds for the denial of licensure. The statute explains the consequences of “being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, to any crime which directly relates to the practice of nursing.” Learn more about the consequences of being unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, or chemicals.


Find an Attorney to Defend the Nursing License

If you are a nurse and you got a DUI, the attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm can help you respond appropriately to any disciplinary action taken against a nurse’s license by the Florida Board of Nursing after a DUI arrest.

During the initial consultation, we can explain the way the Board of Nursing will deal with the incident. Find out the procedures for each type of nursing license. Find out about the types of punitive actions against the nursing license available to the Board of Nursing. Find out more about the best ways to comply with the requirements of the Florida Intervention program for nurses.

We understand the rules contained within Chapters 456 and 464 of the Florida Statutes and the Rules in Title 64B9 of the Florida Administrative Code.

Contact us to find out the requirements with the Florida Board of Nursing for DUI misdemeanors. We can help you decide whether to self-report the arrest. Find out how the case might be resolved, including the chances it will be reduced to a wet reckless and how a wet reckless might affect your nursing license.

We understand the procedures used in disciplinary actions at the Florida Board of Nursing for any reportable offenses including a DUI or a wet reckless.

Contact us for a free consultation to discuss how to respond to the letter from the DOH investigator. We can help you decide whether it is in your best interest to negotiate a settlement or challenge the allegations during an administrative hearing. We can present all of the mitigation in the case that might lead to less serious consequences in IPN.

Our attorneys are familiar with the DOH and the IPN program. We understand the typical results and how to fight for the best outcome. We have the experience necessary to help nurses with an RN, ARNP, LPN, or CNA license.

We can help you fight to avoid a license suspension, revocation, or lengthy sanctions with IPN.

Call 813-250-0500.

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DUI Case Results

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State Drops DUI Charge in Lakeland
On August 17, 2023, just days before the jury trial was scheduled to begin, the prosecutor in Lakeland, FL, dropped the DUI charge pending against our client, which terminated the prosecution. The charges were dropped, in part, because Honorable Mary... read more »
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Judge Suppresses Blood Test Seized in DUI Manslaughter / Vehicular Homicide Case
On June 26, 2023, the court granted our motion to suppress a blood draw in a DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide case. We argued that officers with Largo Police Department illegally seized our client’s blood without a warrant. The prosecutor... read more »
DHSMV Hearing Officer Sets Aside Suspension of the Driver's License
Within ten (10) days of our client’s arrest, we demanded a Formal Reviewing. The Hearing Officer determined insufficient evidence to support the suspension on March 1, 2023, because the arresting officer failed to appear.
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The experience I had with Sammis Law firm in May 2022 was exceptional. I was contacted by Joshua M and he was the absolute best at his job and very professional. He kept me informed every step of the way with my case, and he worked hard in getting my charges of domestic assault dismissed. Thank you Joshua and Sammis law group. Their paralegal Danielle was also very amazing.

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I am very happy I chose Sammis Law Firm for my case. Dominique is incredibly knowledgeable and was professional in dealing with all parties involved. Her skills played a key role in helping obtain the desired outcome. If you’re looking for an honest and diligent law firm, look no further. You won’t be disappointed!

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Leslie Sammis was extremely professional and provided guidance and support every step of the way. Her knowledge of the law, and her exceptional communication skills, made it easy to navigate the complex legal system. I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!

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First and foremost, I would like to thank God for having both Dominique Celerin and Katherine Aranda represent me in my DUI trial today by being prepared and outstanding attorneys. Dominique Celerin did an amazing job through the whole case, putting my mind at ease and walking me through the whole process all the way. Katherine Aranda did a fabulous job assisting in the trial proceedings. Overall, outstanding job. I would recommend both attorneys for any other case in the near future. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for winning this case at trial.

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I am so happy I choose Sammis law firm to represent me in my case. I can not thank this firm and Dominique Celerin enough, for helping me through this. I was feeling hopeless when I first reached out and Dominique put me at ease and assured me that she could help. The process was fast! They communicated every step of the way. In the end I am so pleased with the outcome and so grateful for her help!

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Our Attorneys

Leslie M. Sammis

Leslie M. Sammis

Jason D. Sammis

Jason D. Sammis

Joshua L. Monteiro

Joshua L. Monteiro

Dominique Celerin

Dominique Celerin

Katherine A. Aranda

Katherine A. Aranda

Idalis Vento

Idalis Vento

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