Tyler Flood has earned the Lawyer-Scientist Designation from the American
Chemical Society.
Tyler Flood is a Past President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers
Association (HCCLA).
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Driving while intoxicated doesn’t only carry criminal penalties. The stigma behind driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions could endanger your career. Many licensing agencies conduct thorough background checks when hiring or administering a license. You could have your professional license suspended or revoked because of your DWI. The majority of licensing agencies don’t tolerate professionals with criminal convictions. It’s likely you could face disciplinary action because of your DWI. In some cases, you will still face disciplinary proceedings even if pleading guilty was the best option for you. If your career doesn’t require a specific license, this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Employers can access your public records if you’re convicted of DWI. Texas is an “employment-at-will” state, meaning you could be terminated at any time unless your employment contract has a specific written agreement. Don’t take chances when it comes to your career. If you or someone you know has been charged with DWI, it’s imperative you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
DWI is normally a victimless nonviolent crime, but it could still negatively affect your job. Your employer or licensing agency could lower your standing, your pay or suspend your license, which is why it’s critical that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Tyler Flood & Associates aggressively defends people accused of DWI and other related crimes. We are familiar with licensing board hearings and their rules. Call us today at (713) 224-5529 to schedule a free consultation. The attorneys at Tyler Flood & Associates accept clients throughout the greater Harris County area including Houston, Bellaire, Tomball and West University Place. Overview of DWI Career Consequences in Texas
The primary state-licensing agency in Texas is the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). TDLR regulates licensing for the majority of businesses, industries and other positions overseen by the state. Any professional licensed by TDLR is susceptible to disciplinary action if they’re convicted of DWI. Listed below are the positions and industries licensed by TDLR.
TDLR handles the majority of employment licensing, but some occupations have their own professional boards. These licensing boards utilize their own conduct codes and disciplinary procedures when a professional has a criminal conviction. Listed below are some careers with their own licensing boards.
Texas has laws which outlining the consequences of how a criminal conviction can affect a person licensed by TDLR. Texas Occupational Code § 53.002 states a licensing agency can suspend, revoke, disqualify or deny you from taking a licensing exam if your DWI reflects any of the following:
If you have a career outside of TDLR, then the disciplinary actions for your DWI will be handled internally. Each licensing agency handles criminal convictions differently. However, the majority of them model their rules from Chapter 53 of the Texas Occupational Code. Listed below are possible outcomes from a DWI conviction if you’re not licensed by TDLR.
If your job doesn’t require a professional license, you could still be subject to disciplinary action. Texas is an “employment-at-will” state, which means an employer can terminate an employee whenever they deem appropriate. The only way to bypass this if you have a written agreement within your employment contract that addresses termination. Thankfully, Texas’s at-will employment doctrine has some limits. Employers cannot terminate employees for discriminatory bias such as race or gender. However, criminal convictions including DWI are enough grounds for termination. Listed below are some possible consequences from DWI by your employer.
TDLR Occupational Code – Visit the official website of Texas state laws to learn more about the occupational code for TDLR careers. Access the laws to learn more about the consequences of a DWI conviction, disciplinary hearings and more. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – Visit the official website of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to learn more about occupations licensed TDLR. Access the site to find more information about how to file a complaint, how licenses are regulated and court-ordered programs for TDLR professionals.
If you or someone you know has been charged with DWI, it’s vital you gain legal representation. Your career or professional license could be in danger. Employers and licensing agencies aren’t fond of people with criminal convictions. It’s important you start your defense plan early so you could protect your livelihood. Contact an attorney at Tyler Flood & Associates. We are passionate about criminal defense and excel in DWI law. Tyler Flood & Associates will exhaust all available resources to provide a durable defense for you. Call us today at (713) 224-5529 to schedule a case evaluation. Tyler Flood & Associates accepts clients throughout the greater Houston area and surrounding communities including Pasadena, West University Place, Bellaire and Tomball.
This article was last updated on March 7th, 2019.
