The Unexpected Ways a DUI Can Impact Your Colorado Professional License
Many Denver professionals are unaware that a DUI conviction can jeopardize their professional licenses and careers. At Mile High Legal, our Denver criminal defense team has helped numerous licensed professionals navigate the complex interplay between DUI charges and professional licensing issues.
Colorado's professional licensing boards, most of which are headquartered in Denver, take DUI convictions seriously. Under various provisions of the Colorado Revised Statutes, these convictions often trigger reporting requirements and disciplinary proceedings. Here's how specific professions are affected:
Healthcare Professionals (C.R.S. § 12-30-108)
Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in Denver must report DUI convictions to their respective boards
The Colorado Medical Board and Nursing Board typically require substance abuse evaluations
Multiple DUIs can result in practice restrictions or monitoring requirements
Attorneys (C.R.C.P. 251.8)
Lawyers must report DUI convictions to the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation
Cases are often referred to the Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program
Repeat offenses can lead to public discipline or suspension
Real Estate Professionals (C.R.S. § 12-10-217)
Brokers must report convictions to the Colorado Real Estate Commission in Denver
DUIs with aggravating factors may trigger character and fitness reviews
Failure to report can result in more severe consequences than the DUI itself
Teachers and Educators (C.R.S. § 22-60.5-107)
Educators in Denver Public Schools and surrounding districts must report to CDE
Even a first DUI can trigger a professional practices review
Employment with specific districts may be jeopardized, particularly in Denver's competitive market
Mile High Legal has represented countless Denver professionals before their licensing boards, often achieving outcomes that preserve their ability to practice. Our attorneys understand both the criminal aspects of DUI defense and the specific reporting requirements for various Colorado licensing bodies.
For licensed professionals, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies oversees most professional licensing boards and provides information about reporting requirements. However, each board has unique procedures that our experienced attorneys navigate regularly.
If you're a licensed professional facing a DUI in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, contact Mile High Legal immediately. The early involvement of an attorney who understands both criminal defense and professional licensing can make a critical difference in preserving your career.
