For licensed professionals in California, a DUI can threaten years of work. Nurses, pilots, and real-estate agents face parallel tracks: the criminal case, the DMV action, and a licensing-board review. At Braden & Tucci, we coordinate all three to protect your record and your livelihood.
Nurses — Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
The BRN can discipline a license for violations of the Nursing Practice Act, which may include a DUI as “unprofessional conduct.” Outcomes range from citation or probation to suspension or revocation, based on severity, recency, rehabilitation, and patient-safety risk (BRN Enforcement). Public materials show ongoing alcohol/substance-related enforcement activity and use of intervention programs (BRN Report (2024)).
Defense focus: prompt enrollment in treatment/education, clean testing, work-performance proof, and character support. Where possible, resolving the criminal case to a non-DUI disposition reduces board risk.
Pilots — Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Separate from any California DMV action, pilots must report an alcohol-related motor-vehicle action to the FAA Security & Investigations Division within 60 days (14 CFR §61.15) (FAA Reporting). Aviation Medical Examiners follow disposition guidance that can result in deferral or denial where patterns or elevated BAC exist (AME Disposition Table; AME Guide).
Defense focus: contest the California DUI/APS, ensure timely FAA reporting, and assemble an AME-ready package (testing history, treatment proof, and stability evidence) to preserve medical certification.
Real-Estate Agents — Department of Real Estate (DRE)
The DRE may deny, suspend, or revoke for conduct showing a lack of honesty or trustworthiness; DUIs can be disciplined as “unprofessional conduct” under B&P Code §10177. See agency discipline references and law excerpts (DRE Disciplinary Key; DRE Reference Book (10176/10177)).
Defense focus: disclose properly at renewal, demonstrate rehabilitation, show that the incident was off-duty and unrelated to client harm, and provide strong character/production history.
Process & Strategy: Criminal • DMV • Board
- Criminal case: pursue dismissal or reduction (e.g., reckless) to narrow board exposure.
- DMV (APS): request the hearing within 10 days; avoiding a suspension helps the board case (DMV DUI).
- Board review: file mitigation early—treatment, testing, work records, and letters—to aim for probation instead of revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report a DUI to my board?
Pilots: yes—within 60 days to FAA under 14 CFR §61.15. Nurses/Agents: follow your board’s disclosure rules; convictions are generally reportable at renewal or sooner if required (see BRN/DRE pages).
Does a first DUI automatically revoke my license?
No. Boards consider severity, recency, rehabilitation, and public-safety risk. With a strong mitigation plan, many professionals keep practicing (often with probation/terms).
What helps most in board outcomes?
Early treatment/enrollment, negative tests, job-performance proof, and resolving the criminal case favorably. For pilots, complete FAA reporting and AME documentation.
Can your firm handle the board matter too?
Yes. We coordinate criminal, DMV, and administrative proceedings statewide to protect your license and employment.
The Bottom Line
A DUI is a career-level risk—but not the end of the road. With coordinated criminal, DMV, and board strategies from Braden & Tucci, many nurses, pilots, and agents keep their credentials and move forward.
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