Career Consequences

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.

Attorney for DWI Career Consequences in Harris County, Texas

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


Types of Licensed Professionals in Harris County, 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.

  • Staff leasing service provider;
  • Service contract provider;
  • Property tax consultant;
  • Speech language pathologists;
  • Real estate inspector;
  • Boxing promoter;
  • Water well driller;
  • Transportation network companies;
  • Massage therapists.
  • Boiler inspector
  • Cosmologists;
  • Athletic agents;
  • Tow truck operators;
  • Dyslexia therapists;
  • Mold Assessors;
  • For-Profit legal services;
  • Orthotists and Prosthetists;
  • Podiatrists;
  • Used auto parts recycler;
  • Auctioneer;
  • Driver safety educators;
  • Water well pump installer;
  • Barber;
  • Vehicle protection product warrantor;
  • Owners for vehicle storage facilities;
  • Talent agents;
  • Dietitians;
  • Elevator inspectors;
  • Court interpreters;
  • Athletic trainers;
  • Air-conditioning or refrigeration contractor;
  • Pawnbrokers;
  • Electricians;
  • Underground storage tank installers;
  • Polygraph examiners;
  • Licensed breeders; and
  • Laser hair removal specialists;
  • Midwives;
  • Property tax collectors and assessors;
  • Prepaid legal services provider;
  • Registered accessibility specialists

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.

  • Attorneys – Board of Law Examiners
  • Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) – Texas Board of Nursing
  • Police officers and law enforcement – Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
  • Public Accountants – Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
  • Pharmacists – Texas State Board of Pharmacy
  • Doctors – Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
  • Occupational Therapists – Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
  • Insurance Agents and Adjusters – Texas Department of Justice
  • Court Reporters or Stenographers – Court Reporters Certification Board
  • Chiropractors – Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • Psychologists – Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
  • Social Workers – Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
  • Plumbers – Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
  • Veterinarians – Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
  • Land Surveyors – Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying
  • Public Health Safety Careers – Texas Department of State Health Services
  • Investment Advisors or Security Dealers – State Securities Board
  • Professional Counselors – Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
  • Landscape Architects, Architects, and Interior Designers – Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
  • Deaf Interpreters – National Registry of Interprets for the Deaf (RID) or the Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)
  • Firefighters – Texas Commission of Fire Protection
  • Hospice Nurse Aids or Administrators – Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
  • Security guards or private investigators – Texas Department of Public Safety
  • Aqua-culturists and Pesticide Applicators – Texas Department of Agriculture
  • Funeral directors or morticians – Texas Funeral Service Commission
  • Dentists or Dental Hygienists – Texas Board of Dental Examiners
  • Child Care Administrators – Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services
  • Professional Engineers – Texas Board of Professional Engineers
  • Teachers – State Board of Educator Certification

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Can I Lose My Professional License from a DWI?

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:

  • The occupation’s duties and purpose; or
  • The profession’s duties or purpose, but the offense was committed less than five years before you applied for a license by TDLR

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.

  • Fines;
  • Disqualification from taking a licensing exam;
  • Required educational courses
  • License suspension;
  • License revocation; or
  • Added conditions to your license

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DWI Consequences for Non-Licensed Careers

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.

  • Lowered pay;
  • Change of status or position;
  • Pending or denial of pay raise;
  • Pending or denial of a promotion;
  • Suspension; or
  • Termination

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Additional Resources

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.


Lawyer for Licensed Professionals in Houston, Texas

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.

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Driving While Intoxicated (Blood Draw .16)
Client had bond forfeited while case was pending for not being able to attend trial when Judge ordered us to be there due to his teaching job at Texas A&M University. When he finally...read more
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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

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Robert Henderson
Robert Henderson
December 22, 2023.
I want to give a special thanks to Tyler Flood & Associates. Getting charged with a dwi was the worst feeling and situation I've been in, but the professionalism and confidence that Tyler Fllod & Associates showed throughout my case definitely helped me get some sleep at night. Then when they called and let me know that my case was dismissed and all charges dropped was incredible. Once again, thanks to Tyler Flood & Associates.
Zeta Ze
Zeta Ze
December 15, 2023.
Houston DWI/DUI Tyler Flood is the best lawyer to represent you in a DWI/DUI case. Mr. Flood saved my license from being suspended in a non-refusal weekend. In a case, where I feel I did everything wrong and had 0 chance, in my opinion, for a dismissal, my only hope and chance was to hire Mr. Flood and his firm. Having had previous experience with Mr. Flood's firm, I felt that if I had any percentage chance of a dismissal, I had to go with Mr. Flood again. As I am writing this review, I'm still in shock and awe in how Mr. Flood was able to get a dismissal before trial completely started. Mr. Flood knew the law better than the arresting officer and Prosecutors. Even the judge was impressed and paid him a compliment after the dismissal. In my opinion, if you want a fighting chance, hire Mr. Flood and his firm. Mr. Flood genuinely cares about all his clients and does not merely see you as a customer. He and his team are always working on your case. Trust his process. They are absolutely the BEST.
briana Munoz
briana Munoz
December 5, 2023.
Thanks to Tyler Flood I am able to continue my life, him and his partners were amazing in guiding me throughout this hard process. Tyler and his team got me a CASE DISMISSED on my DWI case. His team kept in contact with me on every small detail about my case while being able to thoroughly explain every possibility for me. I also never had to step foot in a courtroom! Him and his team had my back every step of the way and never made me feel like it was not going to be okay. Tyler flood is the BEST DWI/DUI attorney no doubt, please consider letting him take your case if you are ever in need of an amazing lawyer.
A D
A D
October 19, 2023.
When I found myself in a precarious situation and didn’t know where or who to turn to I was recommended to Tyler Flood and Associates. After researching and reading many reviews I decided to hire and retain Flood and Associates services. This was one of the best decisions I made in my life, not only were they there for me in every dim moment and never too busy to answer every question I had whether it was frivolous or not, his expertise was demonstrated to me during my trial. So much so that two other defendants asked for his name and number during my trial. He fought tooth-and-nail for me and he will for you too. I’m only rating him five stars because I can’t rate him any higher. I’ll thank him for the rest of my life.
Dylan
Dylan
October 12, 2023.
Houston DWI/DUI Attorney Tyler Flood is the best in the business! Tyler and his team made the entire process stress free for what is a very stressful situation. From winning the first administrative hearing (to retain my license/avoid a breathalyzer) to getting the dismissal before trial even started. He is truly the best in the business!
Cesar Ricardez
Cesar Ricardez
October 3, 2023.
I hired Tyler Flood the day after my DUI arrest after reading glowing reviews about him and I couldn’t be happier that I did so. He took care of both my cases to keep my driving rights and the misdemeanor DUI charge in court. I never even had to appear in court or do anything, him and his team took care of anything while I carried on with my life and would just get updates whenever they appeared in court on my behalf. At the end, my driver license was never suspended and they got my case dismissed. Lesson learned, I don’t wish anyone to get in my situation but if you do, don’t hesitate to hire Tyler Flood and his team, they are extremely professional and they go for the win. No deal, no probation, got it all dismissed.
M J
M J
September 14, 2023.
Tyler Flood, Houston DWI/DUI attorney is fantastic! He is professional, smart and takes pride in getting the best possible outcome for you. This was my second DWI and I didn't want to take chances. I found him on Google and I too was in disbelief with all the 5.0 star reviews. Upon meeting him I quickly discovered it was all true. A lawyer with his own science lab WTH??????? Long story short he got my case dismissed without going to court. You can not put a price on freedom. The only downside is I only hope to need his services this one time. 😀 Thanks again Mr. Flood God bless.
John Sellers
John Sellers
August 31, 2023.
Houston DUI/DWI attorney Tyler Flood is the guy to go to!! I started my journey with these guys on August 4th of this year, my case was dismissed before the end of the month!! Well worth it!! They are organized and efficient, kept me informed of what was going on and answered all my questions. I have shared with my friends and definitely recommend to anyone.
texasdiamonds
texasdiamonds
August 29, 2023.
Houston DUI/DWI attorney Tyler Flood is an outstanding attorney and person. If you are in need of a lawyer who understands the panic and sheer fear a family feels when this happens in their lives,Tyler Flood is the attorney for you. He has an outstanding educational background, his office includes an on-site, state-of-the-arts laboratory, and he is surrounded with a legal team to provide background and research data for him to be successful in representing you. He is a One-of-Kind, highly accomplished attorney that will promptly respond to you throughout the duration of your case. Seriously, this guy NEVER sleeps! Tyler Flood understands the importance of a person’s reputation and the seriousness of a DUI/DWI charge. If you choose to work with him, he will work with you to be successful! Tyler Flood is AWESOME!
Trey Perrett
Trey Perrett
August 14, 2023.
Words cannot express what a dominating lawyer Tyler Flood and his team are. I ran into some trouble in 2021 and I was just getting my family, career ,and life together. I was completely scared of what the repercussions could be for the rest of my life. I asked civil layers who they recommend and repeatedly Tyler Flood’s name was given to me. At my first appointment, I was overcome with anxiety of what will happen next. Tyler put me at ease immediately. He believed I had a case. They were great on response time and helping me navigate the often confusing legal system. It’s a long process to have a case brought to trial but I knew I had an amazing lawyer and his team in my corner. Finally, I received the call that my case was dismissed, and I was cleared of all charges. I could not be happier with the way he and his colleagues handled my case and brought home the W. I strongly recommend having Tyler Flood in your corner because he delivers.
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