Protecting Your RN, LPN, or APRN License After a DUI Arrest
A DUI arrest is serious for anyone—but for licensed nurses in South Carolina, the consequences can extend far beyond the courtroom. Even a first-time misdemeanor DUI can lead to an investigation by the South Carolina Board of Nursing, putting your license, your job, and your entire future in healthcare at risk.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we regularly defend nurses and other healthcare professionals facing DUI and related charges throughout Lexington, Columbia, and surrounding areas. If you are a nurse who has been arrested for DUI, it's essential that you take immediate steps to protect both your legal rights and your professional credentials.
In South Carolina, the Board of Nursing often investigates DUI arrests, even if they are first-time misdemeanors. After a DUI is reported, the Board may open a formal investigation into your conduct. This can happen before your criminal case is resolved. The Board may request a written statement, obtain court and police records, and, in some cases, require you to undergo a substance abuse evaluation. Depending on the circumstances, they may place your license under review or monitoring, restrict your practice, or impose other disciplinary actions. These steps can have serious consequences for your ability to work, even if the criminal case is still pending.
It’s important to understand that the Board’s actions are often influenced by the outcome of the DUI charge. That means mounting a strong legal defense in your criminal case is one of the most important things you can do to protect your nursing license. Too many nurses assume they should just plead guilty and move on—but doing so may lead to professional sanctions, job loss, and long-term damage to your record. The truth is, DUI charges can often be challenged in court. The validity of the traffic stop, the procedures used by law enforcement, and the accuracy of breath or blood tests may all be called into question. Our firm thoroughly reviews every aspect of the case to determine the best strategy to fight for a dismissal or reduction of charges.
For nurses, one of the most urgent concerns following a DUI arrest is the administrative suspension of their driver’s license. This is done by challenging an implied consent suspension at the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings. A high blood alcohol level or refusal to submit to testing can result in an automatic suspension. We understand how critical it is for you to get back on the road to continue working and supporting yourself or your family. That’s why we take immediate steps to challenge this suspension—often filing the necessary documents within just one hour of being hired. In many cases, this allows our clients to obtain a temporary license and restore their driving privileges within a few days.
In addition to defending the DUI case itself, we also assist nurses with matters related to the Board of Nursing. We provide guidance on how to respond to inquiries, whether and how to report the arrest, and what to do if you're asked to appear for a disciplinary review. Our goal is not only to win your legal case but also to protect your reputation and your professional future.
If you are a nurse who has been charged with DUI, the actions you take right now can make all the difference. Delaying legal representation may limit your options and allow consequences to unfold unchecked. By taking prompt action and working with a law firm that understands both DUI defense and professional licensing issues, you can protect what matters most—your career, your license, and your future in healthcare.
Call the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC today at (803) 359-3301 for a free and confidential consultation. We are here to help you move forward and put this situation behind you—starting now.