Facing a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge is a serious matter for anyone, but for physicians in Texas, the stakes are even higher. A DWI conviction can not only result in criminal penalties but also jeopardize a physician’s professional life. The medical license that took years of hard work and dedication to obtain could be at risk. Understanding the specific Texas laws that apply to physicians with DWI offenses is crucial, as the repercussions can reverberate through both their personal and professional lives.
Career Consequences for Texas Physicians With DWI
One should not take chances with their career and freedom. For dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation in Texas, contact Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880. Price & Twine, PLLC understands the Texas laws that directly impact physicians with DWI offenses, offering experienced counsel to help safeguard our client’s medical license and future.
Overview of Career Consequences for Texas Physicians With DWI
- Grounds For Denial Or Disciplinary Action: Section 164.051
- Prohibited Practices By Physician or License Applicant: Section 164.052
- Required Suspension or Revocation of License for Certain Offenses: Section 164.057
- License Denial or Suspension
- Frequently Asked Questions About Career Consequences for Physicians With DWI in Texas Based on State Statutes
- Areas We Serve
- Career Consequences for Texas Physicians With DWI Resources
Grounds for Denial or Disciplinary Action: Section 164.051
Texas law outlines various scenarios under which the Texas Medical Board can deny a medical license or take disciplinary action against a physician. Notably, Section 164.051 states that if a physician is convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, this may be grounds for disciplinary action. While a DWI is typically a misdemeanor, it can escalate to a felony under certain circumstances, such as repeated offenses or when it results in harm to others. Also, Section 164.051 specifies that if a physician is unable to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety due to drunkenness, disciplinary action could follow.
Prohibited Practices By Physician or License Applicant: Section 164.052
This section lays out a variety of prohibited practices that could result in disciplinary action against a physician. Among these is the intemperate use of alcohol or drugs in a manner that could endanger a patient’s life. A DWI charge could be interpreted as an example of such use, thereby leading to disciplinary measures.
Required Suspension or Revocation of License for Certain Offenses: Section 164.057
This section requires the Texas Medical Board to suspend a physician’s license if they have been initially
convicted of a felony, among other offenses. While a first-time DWI is usually not a felony, repeated DWI offenses can escalate to felony charges, leading to mandatory license suspension. If the conviction becomes final, the board is required to revoke the physician’s license.
License Denial or Suspension
Under Section 164.051, a physician facing a DWI charge could potentially have their license denied or face disciplinary action, especially if convicted of a felony DWI.
Professional Reputational Damage. In addition to legal repercussions, a DWI conviction will likely result in reputational damage, making it challenging to maintain a successful practice or seek employment in medical establishments.Furthermore, as per Section 164.057, a physician convicted of a felony, including a felony DWI, will face mandatory license revocation. This is the most severe career consequence and means that the physician will no longer be able to practice medicine in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Career Consequences for Physicians With DWI in Texas Based on State Statutes
What Can Trigger Disciplinary Action?
Under Texas Occupations Code Section 164.051, disciplinary action can be triggered if a physician is convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor that involves moral turpitude. While a DWI is usually considered a misdemeanor, it can escalate to a felony under specific conditions such as repeated offenses or if it results in harm to others. The section also states that disciplinary action can be taken if a physician is unable to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety due to drunkenness.
Can A DWI Lead To License Denial Or Suspension?
Yes, according to Section 164.051 of the Texas Occupations Code, a physician convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude can face license denial or suspension. If the DWI escalates to a felony charge, this could lead to license denial or disciplinary action.What Does Texas Law Say For Physicians Charged With DWI?
Section 164.052 outlines prohibited practices by a physician that could lead to disciplinary action. One of
these is the intemperate use of alcohol or drugs in a manner that could endanger a patient’s life. A DWI charge could be interpreted as an example of such use, and therefore, could lead to disciplinary measures against the physician’s license.Is License Revocation Mandatory For Felony Convictions?
Yes, as per Section 164.057, if a physician is convicted of a felony, the Texas Medical Board is required to revoke the physician’s license. If the DWI charge escalates to a felony and results in a conviction, the physician will face mandatory license revocation.What Are The Reputational Consequences Of A DWI?
While the Texas statutes mainly focus on legal consequences, a DWI conviction will likely lead to professional reputational damage. Physicians may find it difficult to maintain a successful practice or seek employment in other medical establishments after a DWI conviction.
Areas We Serve
We service cities in Williamson County such as:
- Cedar Park
- Georgetown
- Leander
- Round Rock
- Taylor
- Hutto
- Liberty Hill
We also service cities in Bell County such as:
Career Consequences for Texas Physicians With DWI Resources
View the full text of the chapter of the Texas Penal Code dedicated to career consequences for Texas physicians. Each statute provides a description of the offense as well as applicable penalties. Certain laws also include notes of amendments that modify the statutes.
Why Physicians With DWI Charges Need a DWI Lawyer
If you’re a physician dealing with a DWI charge in Texas, now is the time to take decisive action to protect your career and future. Price & Twine, PLLC can provide the focused legal representation you need to navigate the complexities of Texas DWI laws and the medical licensing board’s regulations. For those based in Georgetown, Texas, Round Rock Texas, or the surrounding areas, the choice is even clearer. You can reach out to Price & Twine, PLLC for consultation and representation tailored to your specific needs. Call us at (512) 354-1880 or contact us. With so much on the line, don’t leave your career and reputation to chance—get the professional legal assistance you deserve.