California Nursing License Defense for DUI Arrests
A DUI arrest can threaten far more than your driving privileges—it can put your nursing license and career at risk.
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has the authority to investigate nurses who have been arrested or convicted of driving under the influence. Even a first-time DUI may result in a Board investigation, disciplinary action, or requirements that could impact your ability to continue practicing nursing.
Attorney Lucy S. McAllister represents California Registered Nurses facing DUI charges while simultaneously protecting their professional licenses. With decades of experience in both criminal defense and administrative licensing law, she develops coordinated legal strategies designed to minimize the impact on both your criminal case and your nursing career.
If you are a nurse who has been arrested for DUI, the decisions you make immediately after your arrest can significantly affect your future.
A DUI Can Trigger More Than Criminal Charges
Many nurses are surprised to learn that a DUI is not simply a traffic offense. Once an arrest or conviction becomes known, the Board of Registered Nursing may begin its own investigation into whether the incident affects your fitness to practice safely.
Depending on the circumstances, the BRN may review factors such as:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Whether drugs were involved
- Prior criminal history
- Multiple DUI arrests or convictions
- Compliance with court-ordered treatment
- Evidence of substance abuse concerns
- Your honesty and cooperation during the licensing process
The Board evaluates each case individually, making early legal representation especially important.
Protecting Both Your License and Your Career
Unlike many attorneys who handle only criminal defense or only licensing matters, Lucy McAllister represents nurses in both proceedings.
This coordinated approach helps ensure that decisions made in your criminal case do not unintentionally create additional licensing problems later. Every statement, plea agreement, diversion program, or court outcome may have consequences before the BRN.
Our goal is to protect:
- Your nursing license
- Your professional reputation
- Your current employment
- Your future career opportunities
We Represent Nurses Facing
- First-offense DUI
- Felony DUI
- DUI involving prescription medications
- Drug-related DUI charges
- DUI following an accident
- Multiple DUI arrests
- Failure to report criminal convictions
- BRN investigations
- Accusations filed by the Board of Registered Nursing
- License suspension or revocation proceedings
- License reinstatement matters
Board of Registered Nursing Investigations
If the BRN contacts you regarding a DUI arrest or conviction, do not assume the matter will resolve itself.
The Board may request written explanations, employment information, medical records, rehabilitation documentation, or other evidence. How these materials are prepared and presented can have a substantial impact on the outcome of your case.
Attorney McAllister works with nurses throughout every stage of the licensing process, including:
- Responding to Board investigations
- Preparing written statements and supporting documentation
- Negotiating with the BRN
- Defending nurses in administrative hearings
- Seeking reduced discipline whenever possible
- Assisting with license reinstatement when necessary
Early Action Makes a Difference
The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the more options may be available.
Coordinating your criminal defense with your professional license defense from the beginning often provides the strongest opportunity to reduce long-term consequences. Waiting until the Board files an Accusation may limit available strategies.
If you have been arrested—even before formal charges are filed—it is wise to seek legal advice regarding both your criminal case and your nursing license.
Why Choose Lucy S. McAllister?
Attorney Lucy S. McAllister has spent decades representing California professionals whose careers depend upon maintaining their licenses. Her unique combination of criminal defense and administrative law experience allows her to address every aspect of a nurse’s case under one legal strategy.
She understands that your nursing license represents years of education, dedication, and hard work—and that protecting your livelihood requires more than simply defending the criminal charge. The firm’s practice includes representing licensed professionals facing criminal charges that can trigger licensing investigations, including DUI cases.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you are a Registered Nurse facing a DUI charge anywhere in California, do not wait for the Board of Registered Nursing to take action before seeking legal representation.
To discuss a complaint that may impact your nursing license, please call The Law Offices of Lucy S. McAllister toll free at (888) 859-4677 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your specific case. She has the expertise to get you the best possible result.
